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The official launching of the Academy of Eco-Tourism, Wildlife and Nature Interpretation Sri Lanka (AEWNI) and the introduction of Higher certificate course in Ecotourism, Wildlife and Nature Interpretationwas held on 24th of January 2020 at the Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura with the participation of Prof. Sudantha Liyanage, Acting Vice Chancellor, Mr. Anuruddha Bandara, CEO, Eco Team Pvt Ltd., and Dr. Priyan Perera, Director of Center for Sustainability, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. The Center for Sustainability will offer a certificate course in Ecotourism, Wildlife and Nature Interpretation through the Academy by providing academic and professional qualifications to those who are employed as naturalists, nature interpreters and guides.    

University of Sri Jayewardenepura has recognized importance of managing its own carbon footprint as a prompt response for the Climate Action. According to a concept of Director Sustainability, Dr. Priyan Perera along with the collaboration of the Forest Department and the Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment this programme was launched. Memorandum of Agreement was signed between the USJ and Forest Department on 9th of October, 2019 at the auditorium of Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment. The event was held under the patronage of Hon. Ajith Mannapperuma, State Minister of Mahaweli Development and Environment, Mr. W.A.C. Weragoda, Conservator General of Forests and Prof. Sampath Amaratunge, former Vice Chancellor of University of Sri Jayewardenepura. 400 hectares of Karuwalagaswewa in Puttalam District will be reforested by USJ while aiding to increase the forest cover of Sri Lanka. Thus, this forest area will act as a carbon sink to neutralise carbon footprint of the university. Center for Sustainability of University of Sri Jayewardenapura has put a giant step forward among the history of state universities to step in as the First Carbon Neutral University by going beyond in its measures to achieve the standard of ISO 14064.

Mangroves are one of the major ecosystems in Sri Lanka that provide numerous ecosystem services. However, mangroves in Sri Lanka face multiple threats and are fast disappearing despite the essential services they provide to support the livelihoods of local people. Recognizing the invaluable role a state university can play in the conservation of mangrove ecosystems while providing sustainable economic opportunities for local communities, an alumnus of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Dr. B.M.S. Batagoda has donated a 2 acre mangrove-dominated land located in Ittapana, Walallawita DS Division, in Kalutara District to establish a Mangrove Resource Center. The 2-acre land borders the Bentota River and includes a building that can be used to establish the Mangrove Resource Center. A successful mangrove conservation and community development project had been carried out at the same location under the guidance of Dr. Batagoda 15 year ago, and it is expected to initiate a similar venture with improved educational, conservation, and economic opportunities where the new Mangrove Resource Center will function as a model eco-venture. The proposed center will operate under the directions and support of the Department of Forestry and Environmental Science academics and the community-based business development aspects will be handled by the University Business Linkage Cell.

Accelerating Higher Education Expansion and Development (AHEAD) Innovation Commercialization Enhancement (ICE) Grants Center for Sustainability Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura VACANCIES The Center for Sustainability of Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, the University of Sri Jayewardenepura under ICE grant invites applications from prospective candidates for vacancies as indicated below. General Conditions: Should be citizens of Sri Lanka. Age should be below 35 years on the date of application. Other Qualifications: No Position Contract Duration Preliminary Qualifications Other preferred Experience 1 Research Assistant 1 3 years (M.Phil/ PhD) B.Sc. (Special) in Environment Management/ B.Sc. (Special) in Geology/ B.Sc. (Special) in Chemistry Experience in Environment related researches 2 Research Assistant 2 2 years B.Sc. (Special) in Environment Management/ B.Sc. (Special) in Geology/ B.Sc. (Special) in Chemistry Experience in Environment related researches 3 Business Development Executive Initially for 1 year with possible extension based on the performance B.Sc. in Science/ Management/Marketing Professional qualifications in Marketing/Management At least two-year experience in the similar assignment (ToR) 4 Project Manager Initially for 1 year with possible extension based on the performance B.Sc. in Environment and Forestry or relevant field Experience in Environment related projects management(ToR) 5 Clerk Initially for 1 year with possible extension based on the performance 3 passes at GCE A/L Professional qualifications in book keeping /accounting/office management At least two-year experience secretarial works (ToR) Detailed ToR for Business Development Executive, Project Assistant and Clerk is available at the university website. Gross Salary: Research Assistant 1/ Research Assistant 2/ Project Manager-Approximate Gross Salary Rs. 43,500.00 Business Development Executive-Approximate Gross Salary Rs. 54,350.00 Clerk-Approximate Gross Salary Rs. 38,044.00 Benefits: (Research Assistant 1, Research Assistant 2, Business Development Executive, Project Manager, Clerk) Selected candidates will contribute 8% from their monthly salary to the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) while the AHEAD/ICE grant will make a contribution of 15% of their salary of which 12% will be credited to Employee Provident Fund (EPF) and 3% to the Employee Trust Fund (ETF). Applications and Particulars: Self-prepared applications along with the copies of all academic and professional qualifications and documents to prove the working experience shall be hand deliver or forwarded under registered cover indicating the post applied on the top left-hand corner of the envelope to reach the Director, Center for Sustainability, Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda on or before 16th October 2018. Or Shall be sent to our e-mail address, sustainability@sjp.ac.lk The University reserve the right to shortlist the candidates. Applications which do not meet the requirements, and applications which reach after the closing date will be rejected without intimation. Please contact Director, CFS for further details Dr. Priyan Perera Director – Center for Sustainability Department of Forestry and Environmental Science University of Sri Jayewardenepura Gangodawila, Nugegoda Phone (office): (+94) 112758411 Phone (mobile): (+94) 718656457 Fax: (+94) 112802937 E-mail: priyan@sjp.ac.lk