The Journey to a
Carbon Neutral
University

UNIVERSITY OF SRI JAYEWARDENEPURA

welcome

Dedicated to both on and off campus activities to increase, support and promote sustainability
learn more

The Center for Sustainability (CFS) is a body for environmental extension, research and community outreach unit attached to the Department of Forestry and Environmental Science (DFES), University of Sri Jayewardenepura. 

Our Vision

Our Environmental Sustainability Vision is that the University of Sri Jayawardenepura is committed to making a positive impact through outstanding environmental sustainability performance via integration of students, academic and the wider community in sustainability driven projects.

learn more
Mission

Curabitur cursus euismod tellus, sit amet faucibus ipsum euismod sed. Phasellus aliquam turpis nec fermen tum lobortis. Mauris lorem ante.

learn more
Student Engagement
Biodiversity Enhancement
Research
Community Engagement

What We Are Up to

Promoting Sustainability

Praesent at laoreet libero, molestie euismod enim. Suspend isse pulvinar, erat vel tincidunt rutrum, leo nibh ornare. Morbi scelerisque lorem at nisl condimentum varius. Nullam mattis viverra vestibulum inceptos himenaeos. Vestibulum quis imperdiet diam, eu faucibus leo. Class aptent tacit.
0 +
Trees Planted (Off Campus)
0 +
Trees Planted (On Campus)​

Yagirala Forest Restoration Project

The Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura has been managing a 100-acre block of the Yagirala Forest Reserve since 1984, predominantly for research and education purposes. An existing bungalow on the site has been redeveloped to facilitate research, conservation, education and ecotourism activities based in Yagirala. Habitat loss and forest degradation due to encroachments by villagers and illegal logging of commercially valuable trees has been identified as the major conservation issues at Yagirala forest. In addition, poaching of wild animals for local consumption has affected the faunal diversity of the forest. Populations of some nationally and globally threatened species such as Indian Pangolin and Hogg deer have substantially declined over the years due to hunting by locals. As a result, the CFS designed a comprehensive Forest Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Plan to address these issues.

Karuwalagaswewa 1000 Acre Forest Restoration Project

A forest management plan was created by the CFS to enable the USJ and FD to manage forest communities and enhance the variety of ecological and socio-economic uses. This plan provides an overview of the CFS and FD’s joint strategy of restoration and forest management system, in particular, the way it manages environmental, social, and economic values while meeting statutory obligations. This management plan has been designed for a five-year period and will be effective from 1st of January 2020 and maybe revised based on an adaptive management framework. The forest management plan complements the broader forest conservation and management objectives of the FD while contributing to the Government’s aim of increasing the forest cover of the country from 29% to 32% by 2020.

Ittapana Mangrove Resource Center

Horawala Mangrove Ecosystem is an important ecosystem that provides habitats for a number of rare mangrove species as well as many non-mangrove specific species of animals. This vital natural resource is currently facing multiple threats that require immediate action, so, the Center For Sustainability (CFS), of the Department of Forest and Environmental Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJ) is carrying out a unique project led by Dr. Priyan Perera. The overall aim being the restoration and conservation of this vital ecosystem, furthermore it is an initiative by USJ to uplift the economy of the surrounding rural community, teach residents about sustainable resource extraction and responsible custodianship of a nationally important habitat. 

News & Events