World Environment Day 2025 Celebrated at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University

“Our Planet, Our Responsibility” — A National Call for Environmental Action

In celebration of World Environment Day 2025, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) hosted a prestigious event on June 5, 2025, at the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) Auditorium, bringing together policymakers, educators, environmental advocates, and the university community to reaffirm their collective commitment to protecting the environment for future generations.

The event, held under the global theme of environmental stewardship and sustainability, commenced at 9:00 AM, emphasizing the urgent call to safeguard our planet through collaborative and conscious action.

Distinguished Invitees and Guests

The event was graced by a distinguished panel of invitees and dignitaries, underscoring the national importance of this occasion:

• Chief Guest: Eng. Kumara Jayakody, Minister of Power and Energy, Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
• Guests of Honour: Mr. Dulip Somirathna, Senior Assistant Secretary to the President; Director (Ethics), Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat
• Rear Admiral HGU Dammika Kumara VSV, USP, psc, MMaritimePol, BSc (DS); Vice Chancellor, KDU
• Brigadier Pradeep Ratnayake RSP USP psc, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Defence and Administration), KDU
• Professor K.A.S. Dhammika, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), KDU
• Janaprith Fernando, Chief Commissioner, Sri Lanka Scout Association
• Ravi Edirisinghe, Group Managing Director, LAUGFS Group
• Saliya Dissanayake, CEO, LAUGFS Eco Sri Ltd
• Athula Silva, AGM, LAUGFS Eco Sri Ltd
• Senior representatives from Sri Lanka Scout Association and academic leaders from KDU

Environmental Awareness with Corporate and Civic Collaboration

Organized by General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University in collaboration with LAUGFS Eco Sri Limited and supported by Clean Sri Lanka, the event highlighted strategic partnerships involving the academia, government, and industry to champion sustainability and environmental education in Sri Lanka.

In his address, the Honourable Minister emphasized the necessity of integrating green policies at institutional and community levels. The Vice Chancellor – KDU, Speakers from LAUGFS Group and Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat also reflected on the significance of corporate social responsibility and ethical governance in environmental conservation.

University-Wide Tree Planting Initiative

Following the formal proceedings at FGS, a tree planting campaign was launched by KDU in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Scout Association. This initiative marked the first step in a large-scale tree planting project involving other Sri Lankan universities. The campaign was spearheaded by the KDU National Rover Crew under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellors, and other distinguished invitees. Simultaneously, coordinated tree planting efforts were carried out across several key areas of the KDU premises and beyond, reflecting each faculty’s strong commitment to sustainable and green development.

Tree Planting Locations and Faculty Coordination:

• Borupana Road
  Led by: Lt Col AMP Amarasinghe (Deputy Dean, Faculty of Defence and Strategic Studies)
  Participants: FDSS staff and students

• 9th Cross Street to 10th Cross Street
  Led by: Dr. LS Liyanage (Dean, Faculty of Management Social Sciences Humanities)
  Participants: FMSH staff and students

• Dawatagahawatta Road to 2nd Cross Street
  Led by: Col A Balasooriya (Dean, Faculty of Medicine)
  Participants: FOM staff and students

• New Airport Road
  Led by: Prof. TL Weerawardane (Dean, Faculty of Engineering)
  Participants: FOE staff and students

• 3rd to 5th Cross Street
  Led by: Ms. MRIK Munasinghe (Acting Dean, Faculty of Law)
  Participants: FOL staff and students

• 6th to 8th Cross Street
  Led by: Dr. P Kalansooriya (Dean, Faculty of Computing)
  Participants: FOC staff and students

• Road linking Kandawala Road, Airport Road & Fernando Place
  Led by: Prof. BM Jayawardene (Dean, Faculty of Technology)
  Participants: FOT staff and students

• KDU Selected Zones
  Led by: Dr. Anusha Edirisinghe (Dean, Faculty of Criminal Justice)
  Participants: FOCJ staff and students

• University Hospital – KDU
  Led by: Brig CS Thibbatuge (Director Administration – UHKDU)
  Participants: University Hospital KDU staff, Faculty of Allied Health   Science staff and students

This coordinated action reflects the university’s commitment to sustainability beyond the classroom—cultivating not only trees but also environmental consciousness in the next generation of Sri Lankan leaders.

A Strong Message for the Future

The World Environment Day celebrations at KDU served as a powerful reminder of our individual and collective responsibility in building a greener, more resilient world. Through meaningful collaboration with state entities, industry leaders, and student-led initiatives, KDU continues to position itself as a pioneering institution in environmental stewardship and sustainable development.