Undergraduate Research Symposium on Environment and Development organized by the Department of Geography of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya for the 2nd consecutive time was held on the 03rd of December 2018 at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Social Sciences. This was organized with the objective of improving research skills of the students and thus, utilizing the knowledge discovered through research for the national development.

Senior Lecturer Ven. Dr. Pinnawala Sangasumana Thero, Department of Geography, University of Sri Jayewardenepura delivered the keynote address of the event emphasizing on seeking sustainable solutions for contemporary development issues: applied geography in local perspective.

At the symposium, around 110 research articles were presented under 10 sessions themed : Sustainable Water Management, GIS and RS For Sustainable Planning, Governance and Policymaking for Sustainable Development, Renewable Energy, Disaster Risk Reduction & Waste Management, Poverty Eradication Initiative, Sustainable Agriculture, Agri Environment & Food Nutrition, Sustainable Livelihood Development, Sustainable Land Use Planning, Soil & Plant Management, Ideological and Culture Perspective of Sustainable Development.

The inauguration of the event was held under the patronage of Prof. A.H.M.H. Abayarathne. Present at the occasion were Senior Lecturer Dr. Nishan Sakalasooriya, Head- Department of Geography, academic staff members of the Department and undergraduates.