The University of Kelaniya was awarded the Merit Trophy of Commendation in the “Best Government Institution that Contributes to the Environment” category for its excellent contribution towards environmental conversation and sustainability at the prestigious Presidential Environment Awards Ceremony 2024, conducted by the Central Environmental Authority of the Ministry of Environment, on 28^th June 2024, at the Main Hall, BMICH.

Symbolizing the occasion, this award was handed over to Senior Professor Nilanthi De Silva, Vice - chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, by a team headed by Dr. Wasanthi Subasinghe, Director of the Center for Sustainable Solutions, on the 01^st of July 2024 at the Vice-Chancellor's office.

This event was graced by Mr. K. K. K. Dharmathilaka, Registrar of the University of Kelaniya, Dr. Wasanthi Subasinghe, Director of the Center for Sustainable Solutions of the University of Kelaniya, Senior Lecturer Dr. D. M. P. V. Dissanayake of the Department of Statistics & Computer Science of the Faculty of Science, Senior Lecturer Dr. K. G. M. Nanayakkara of the Department of Commerce and Financial Management of the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies and Senior Lecturer Dr. A. K. Jeewandara of the Department of Applied Computing of the Faculty of Computing and Technology.

The Presidential Environment Awards program is the highest honour bestowed in Sri Lanka for outstanding contributions to environmental protection. It serves as a powerful platform to encourage public participation in sustainable environmental practices and inspire eco-friendly initiatives within government and non-government institutions.

The University of Kelaniya was the only state university to receive this honour among 901 applicants representing various businesses, industries, educational institutions, and government and semi-government institutions.

The application of the University of Kelaniya for the awards was spearheaded by the Centre for Sustainability Solutions (CSS), which plays a key role in planning and implementing initiatives related to energy and waste management, water conservation, habitat preservation, sustainability education, community outreach, and carbon footprint reduction at the university. The University of Kelaniya holds the distinction of being the first state university in Sri Lanka to implement a comprehensive environmental policy that mandates all university stakeholders to prioritize environmental responsibility in their activities.