Symposia Archives - USJ - 91��ý

Three Decades of Research Ignored: Wildlife Experts Urge Political Action on Human-Wildlife Conflict at USJ Symposium

admin — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 06:12:38 +0000

The 91��ý recently hosted a pre-symposium public talk as part of the , where leading conservation experts highlighted the urgent need for political action to address 91��ý’s escalating human-wildlife conflict. The event highlighted the alarming fact that, despite three decades of research and evidence-based solutions, political action has been sorely lacking in addressing this critical issue.

A Decade of Unheeded Solutions

Professor Hiran Amarasekera, who initiated this symposium in 1995, expressed deep frustration over the continued inaction in implementing scientifically proven strategies. “For 30 years, researchers have presented concrete solutions at this symposium, yet the same challenges persist due to inaction,” he stated. This sentiment was echoed by other experts, who highlighted the growing disconnect between research and policy implementation.

Elephant Management: A Case Study in Failure

Dr. U K G K Padmalal, a former Wildlife Department officer and researcher at the Open University, shared critical insights into elephant management strategies. Drawing from his experience with elephant drives, he highlighted the historical context of current challenges.

Professor Dewaka Weerakoon recounted the historical context of current challenges, noting that many relocated elephants either died, returned to their original habitats, or moved into agricultural lands, with only a small fraction adapting to their new environments. He showed specific case studies to illustrate the effectiveness and challenges of different approaches. For instance, in the Galgamuwa Teak area, efforts to manage elephant populations through relocation faced significant challenges, with many elephants returning to their original habitats or encroaching on farmlands. In contrast, the DWC fence approach in another area successfully contained elephant movements, although it presented its own challenges.

These case studies highlight the complexities of managing human-wildlife conflict and the need for tailored evidence-based solutions. Professor Weerakoon emphasized that these examples underscore insufficient political will and inadequate implementation of proven strategies.

Primate Conflicts: A Similar Pattern

Professor Chamalie Nahallage expanded the discussion to primate conflicts, illustrating how unimplemented solutions have led to persistent challenges across species. Her analysis underscored the need for a unified approach to wildlife management.

Root Causes and Proposed Solutions

The experts identified unplanned land-use patterns and habitat overlaps as the root causes of human-wildlife conflict. They proposed combining technical solutions and behavioural changes, supported by strong political commitment. Key recommendations included:

– Biological Control: Establish buffer zones, deploy watchdogs as early warning systems, and create natural barriers to separate human and wildlife spaces.
– Electric Fencing: Maintaining and monitoring existing wildlife corridors to ensure their effectiveness as short-term solutions for elephant management.
– Waste Management: Addressing improper garbage disposal, which attracts wildlife to villages, through secured waste systems and community education.

A Call for Political Will and Community Involvement

The experts emphasized that without political commitment, both wildlife and human communities will continue to suffer. They called for:

– Clear demarcation between wildlife and human habitats.
– Improved urban and rural planning to prevent habitat overlap.
– Community involvement in conservation efforts.
– Implementation of the Wildlife Mitigation Plan prepared by the Department of Wildlife Conservation.

The Path Forward

The discussion served as a stark reminder that the tools to resolve 91��ý’s human-wildlife conflict exist—what’s missing is the will to use them. As the symposium approaches, the 91��ý continues to champion evidence-based solutions, urging policymakers to prioritize action over inaction.

The time for change is now. The future of 91��ý’s wildlife and communities depends on it.

For more updates on the 29th International Forestry and Environment Symposium 2025, visit the 91��ý website.

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Inauguration Ceremony of 28th International Forestry and Environment Symposium 2024

admin — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 05:36:04 +0000

The 91��ý recently concluded its 28th International Symposium on Forestry and Environmental Sciences, held on January 5th and 6th, 2024, at the Senate Board Room. The theme of this year’s symposium was “Forest and Environmental Management towards Economic Recovery and Resilience.”

The symposium covered a diverse range of key areas and sessions, including Forest and Natural Resource Management, Biodiversity Conservation and Management, Waste Management and Pollution Control, Environmental Economics and Resource Management, Climate Change and Disaster Management, Biomass and Sustainable Energy, Sustainable Tourism, Sustainable Land Use and Urban Development, Wood Science, Wood and Non-Wood Industry, Environmental Engineering and Green Technology, and Geology, Soil, and Water Resource Management. Additionally, a dedicated Citizen Science Forum provided a platform for young environmental enthusiasts to contribute and participate.

The event was honored by the presence of Chief Guest Senior Professor Pathmalal M. Manage, Vice-Chancellor of the 91��ý, Guest of Honors, and Senior Professor Upul Subasinghe, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences. The symposium brought together researchers, academia, professionals, and policymakers in the field of Forestry and Environmental Sciences to engage in meaningful discussions and share the latest developments in the sector.

Organized by the Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, the symposium was spearheaded by Prof. Daham Jayawardana, Symposium Chair,Head of the Department, along with Dr. Chaamila Pathirana, Symposium Coordinator.

The 91��ý proudly extends an invitation to the global community to join future editions of this impactful symposium, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange in the vital field of Forestry and Environmental Sciences.

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Symposium on Interlacing Engineering Research 2023 Held by the Faculty of Engineering, USJ

Hiran Amarasekera — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 05:30:11 +0000

The Faculty of Engineering at the 91��ý hosted a symposium aimed at facilitating cross-disciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange among researchers on 28th of February 2023 at the University Senate Board Room. The symposium attracted researchers from diverse engineering fields and backgrounds, enabling them to connect and engage in conversations about their current research projects.

The symposium also provided a platform for the advancement of the engineering field as a whole, with attendees being exposed to new ideas and perspectives, as well as opportunities to enhance their skills. The event was also a chance for undergraduate students to showcase their talents and nurture their creativity, confidence, and motivation.

The symposium included invited talks from renowned academics, including Dr. Arjuna Madanayake from Florida International University, USA, Dr. Sirani M. Perera from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, USA, and Eng. Sanath Panawenna, Director General & Chief Executive Officer at Arthur C. Clark Institute, 91��ý. The talks covered a wide range of topics, including artificial intelligence, microelectronics research, and energy planning.

The agenda included a welcome speech by Dr. Thilaksiri Bandara, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, USJ, and an address by the Guest of Honour, Prof. Upul Subasinghe, Acting Vice-Chancellor, 91��ý. The Chief Guest, Snr. Prof. Sampath Amarathunga, Chairman, University Grant Commission, also delivered an address. Other speakers discussed topics such as Artificial Intelligence, Microelectronics Research for Wireless Communications and Computation, and Holistic & Integrated Energy Planning. There was also a talent show featuring undergraduate students and a panel discussion on “Convergence in Research.”

The symposium ended with a panel discussion on “Convergence in Research” led by Prof. Chaminda Konthesingha, with panelists Dr. Dhanushka Udayanga, Dr. Bhagya Nathali Silva, Dr. Gaya Jayakodi, and Dr. Surani Tissera. The event was moderated by Dr. Niranji Satanarachchi, Dr. Nadika Jayasooriya, Dr. Shyam Kularathna, and Dr. Dulini Yasara Mudunkotuwa.

The symposium is organized by a scientific committee consisting of Dr. Thilaksiri Bandara, Dr. Sirani M. Perera, and Dr. Niranji Satanarachchi, with co-chairs Dr. Nishan Dharmaweera, Dr. Udaya Wijenayake, and Dr. Uditha Wijewardhana. The technical committee includes Dr. Dulini Yasara Mudunkotuwa, Dr. Shyam Kularathna, Dr. Sameera Samarasekara, Dr. Nadika Jayasooriya, Dr. Vidura Jayasooriya, Ms. Umaya Balagalla, Ms. Chamali Gamage, and Mr. Deshan Kalupahana.

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19th International Conference on Business Management themed on “Equitable Recovery Amidst Economic Crisis: Post-Pandemic Challenges and the Way Forward”

Hiran Amarasekera — Fri, 23 Dec 2022 06:04:32 +0000

Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce (FMSC) of 91��ý has conducted its 19th International Conference on Business Management (ICBM) on the theme of “Equitable Recovery Amidst Economic Crisis: Post-Pandemic Challenges and the Way Forward” on December 8, 2022

Opening ceremony of the conference inaugurated with Senior Professor Sampath Amaratunge, Chairman of the University Grant Commission, Senior Professor Sudantha Liyanage, Vice Chancellor of the 91��ý, and ProfessorP. D. Nimal, Dean of the aculty of Management Studies and Commerce and with other Deans of Faculties of USJ at the Senate Boardroom.

This conference intended to create an avenue where scholars and practitioners could share their research findings and experience on the proposed theme, uncovering potential future research projects on a wider scope regarding managing crises, and strengthening collaboration among scholars, practitioners, and other stakeholders for feasible joint-projects, funding, and for identifying publication avenues.

Conference focused on Accounting for Sustainability in Disruption, Business Law and Regulatory System, Business Strategies in Crises, Disaster and Crisis Management, Economics, Public Policy and Development, Education Management, Hybrid Learning and E- Learning, Entrepreneurship, Small Business Management and Innovation, Finance Innovation and Sustainable Strategies, Global Business Management, Human Resources Management and Labour Relations, Information Systems and Digital Transformation, Knowledge Management and Learning Organizations, Leading and Managing People in Organizations, Marketing, Tourism and Hospitality Management, Operations and Technology Management, Real Estate Management and Valuation, and Sustainability, Governance, Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility.

Conferenced chaired by Dr. Prathap Kaluthanthri and Dr. Janaka Fernando. Prof. Brett Inder, Professor, Econometrics and Business Statistics of Department of Econometrics and Business Statistics, Monash Business School, Monash University, Australia and Prof. Pi-Shen Seet, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation of School of Business and Law, Edith Cowan University, Australia addressed the conference as keynote speakers.

Along with the conference there were PhD Colloquium held in the symposium. The PhD Colloquium was one of the main events organized in conjunction with 19th International Conference on Business Management of the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, 91��ý, for PhD students from all over the world who are in the early phases of their dissertation work. The event conducted in a hybrid mode on 09th December 2022 at the university premises.

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Calling for Papers – 26th International Forestry and Environmental Science Symposium 2021

Hiran Amarasekera — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 15:12:24 +0000

Call for papers

Theme: ��Developments in Forestry and Environmental Science in 2021

We are pleased to announce that the 26th International Forestry and Environmental Science Symposium organized by the Department of Forestry & Environmental Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences, 91��ý (USJ) under the above theme will be held on 20th & 21st of January 2022 at USJ in Colombo, 91��ý.

Twenty sixth International Forestry and Environmental Science Symposium would be an ideal platform for you to stay connected with well-established research networks and to get your outstanding work visible.

Key Dates

Deadline for Abstract Submission: 15^th��September 2021

Notification of Acceptance (Abstract): 15^th��October 2021

Commencement of Registration of Presenters: 15^th��December 2021

Submission of Full Papers Selected for the Journal of Tropical Forestry and Environment: 15^th��March 2022

Key Sessions:

Forest and Natural Resource Management
Biodiversity Conservation and Management
Waste Management and Pollution Control
Environmental Economics and Resource Management
Climate Change and Disaster management
Biomass and Sustainable Energy
Sustainable Tourism
Sustainable Land Use and Urban development
Wood Science and Wood Based Industries
Environmental Engineering and Green Technology
Geology, Soil and Water Resource Management

Submission procedure

Abstracts are now accepted for formal presentations and posters via��

Please visit the symposium website for guidelines on preparation and submission of abstracts. All correspondence will be made by the principal author by email.

Review and Selection process

Abstracts will be reviewed by panel of experts, and those selected will be published in symposium proceedings. Authors of the selected abstracts have the option to submit their full papers to the Journal of Tropical Forest and Environment. The journal has double- bind peer- review process

Read the latest online issue:��

Contact Details

Symposium Chair
Prof. Upul Subasinghe

Symposium Coordinators
Dr. Dr. G.G.T. Chandrathilake
0714463963

Dr. Chaamila Pathirana
0777871518

Symposium organizing Committee
Department of Forestry & Environmental Science
91��ý, Nugegoda,
91��ý
Tel: +94 11 280 4685
Fax: +94 11 280 2914
��:��fesympo@sjp.ac.lk

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25th Silver Jubilee International Forestry and Environment Symposium 2020

Hiran Amarasekera — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 06:45:42 +0000

Distinguished as the oldest and most renowned��in South Asia, the��organized by the�� Faculty of Applied Sciences, USJ for the 25th consecutive year was held online under 4 sessions on 22nd and 23rd January 2021 at 91��ý. This is one of the premier events where researchers, academia, professionals, policymakers and the industry meet to network, discuss and learn about the latest developments in forestry and environment in the region. The theme of this year’s symposium was “Post Covid -19 Environment and Society”.

Symposium was graced by Dr. Anil Jasinghe ;Secretary to the Ministry of Environment, 91��ý as the chief guest. Dr. Danister Perera; Advisor, All Ceylon Indigenous Medical Association, Professor J. Patrick A. Hettiaratchi; Department of Civil Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary, Canada, Associate Professor Shobha Muthukumaran; Institute for Sustainable Industries & Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Melbourne,Australia and Professor Richard Vlosky; Louisiana Forest Products Development Center, United States of America participated as session keynote speakers. Chairman of the University Grants Commission; Prof. Sampath Amaratunga, Vice Chancellor of the 91��ý; Prof. Sudantha Liyanage, Dean of the��Faculty of Applied Sciences; Prof. Laleen Karunanayake, Prof. Upul Subasinghe, Prof. Hiran Amarasekara, Prof. Hemanthi Ranasinghe, Dr. Daham Jayawardana and other members of the Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, researchers, academia and professionals also participated in the event.

Key research findings and details under the themes of Impacts of COVID -19 on Society and Environment, Forest and Natural Resource Management, Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism, Climate Change and Water Resource Management, Biomass and Sustainable Energy, Waste Management and Pollution Control, Wood Science, Wood and Non Wood Industry, Environmental Economics in Resource Management, Geology, Soil and Disaster Management and Environmental Engineering and Green Technology were discussed by the scholars, local and foreign participants including key government officials, academics, researchers and business leaders in Forestry and Environment Sectors.

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South Asia’s Oldest and Largest Forestry and Environment Symposium held for the 24th Year at Negombo

Hiran Amarasekera — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 08:43:15 +0000

Fulfilling its mission for the 24^th consecutive year “24^th International Forestry and Environment Symposium 2019” organized by the Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, 91��ý was successfully held on 11^th and 12^th of October at Jetwing Blue, Negombo. The Vice-Chancellor of the 91��ý Snr.Prof. Sampath Amarathunge, the Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Prof. Laleen Karunanayake, several Heads of the Departments, Professors and academic members have taken part in this symposium. The symposium was chaired by Prof. S.M.C.U.P.Subasinghe, Head, Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, 91��ý. Dr. Varuni Jayasooriya and Dr. Priyan Perera were the coordinators of the 24th International Forestry and Environment Symposium.

Distinguished as the oldest and most renowned Forestry and Environment Symposium in South Asia, this Symposium is the premier event where researchers, academia, professionals, policymakers and the industry meet to network, discuss and learn about the latest developments in forestry and environment sectors. The International Forestry and Environment Symposium which is organized by the Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, 91��ý has a history that goes back to 1995, where the first event was held under the theme of “Forestry for Development”, at Coral Gardens Hotel, Hikkaduwa. Since its inception, throughout the years, the symposium has gained wide recognition among academics and professionals in the forestry and environmental sectors, both 91��ý and overseas. Currently, the symposium is renowned as the oldest Forestry and Environment Symposium in South Asia, where the research, academia, professionals, the policy makers and the industry, annually publish, discuss and learn about the latest developments in forestry and environment sectors. Apart from providing a platform for the sharing of latest research outcomes related to the forestry and environment sector, the International Forestry and Environment Symposium supports in making a regional and national impact by sharing knowledge and ideas that cover a wide range of sub-disciplines related to forestry and environmental sciences fields.

This year’s Symposium has been organized under the umbrella theme of “Frontiers in Eco-Innovation and Sustainability”. Over 200 abstracts were received for this year’s symposium and through the comments of an expert panel of reviewers, drastic selection has been made despite their overall high quality and 137 oral presentations and 22 poster presentations were published in Proceedings of the International Forestry and Environment Symposium volume 24 (2019). A total number of 159 abstracts from both local and international researchers were published under 11 different sub-themes, i.e. Forest and natural resource management, biodiversity and ecological health, Climate change and disaster management, sustainable land use and urban development, Biomass and sustainable energy, waste management and pollution control,Wood science, wood and non-wood industry, Environmental economics in resource management, Geology, soil and water resource management, environmental engineering and green technology, and Corporate responsibility and sustainable tourism.

This year’s symposium gathered more than 250 experts, representing national Universities, private Universities, other local institutes, professional Organizations, Industry /private sectors, and foreign institutes. Guest of honor of the symposium Professor Sampath Amarathunge, Vice-Chancellor 91��ý delivered the opening remarks. Keynote speeches were delivered by prof. Mikel Duke, a Professor of Membrane Science from Victoria University Melbourne on applications of the Membrane technologies to develop novel treatment methods to address CKDu problem in 91��ý. Dr. Asha De Vos, Marine Biologist and Founder of Oceanswell has delivered her keynote speech on the present status of blue whale research in 91��ý. Industrial pioneers having environmentally friendly business initiatives also joined hands with the 24th International Forestry and Environment Symposium 2019.

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1st Mini Symposium on Sociology (MSS 2019)

Hiran Amarasekera — Tue, 06 Aug 2019 09:44:45 +0000

1^st��Mini-Symposium on Sociology (MSS 2019) under the theme of��“SOCIOLOGY AS A KEY FOR A BETTER FUTURE”��organized by the��was held on 29th July 2019 at the SLT II Hall of the Department of Sociology. This was one of the very first symposiums conducted by a department focusing on creating a platform for its undergraduates (3rd Year-Under the Sociological Research Method Course Unit) to disseminate their research findings among peers as well as academics.

Prof. Mayura Samarakoon, Head of the��, Advisor and the Keynote Speaker of MSS-2019, Prof. Vijekoon Subhasinhe, Dr. Nelum Kanthilatha, Mrs. Niluka��Priyadarshani, and Dr. Tharaka Ananda, Course Unite Lecturer, Undergraduate Students, Non-Academic Staff members of the department Participated in the event.

Total��47 research abstracts��written by 3rd-year undergraduate students included in the proceeding book covers various fields of Sociology, as well as some, had been conducted based on Criminological, Anthropological, Archaeological and Political approaches.

Ms. Udeni Thakshila��won the��Best Paper Presenter Award��for her research presentation.

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23rd International Forestry and Environment Symposium 2018

Hiran Amarasekera — Mon, 03 Dec 2018 07:34:32 +0000

��organised by the of the for the 23rd consecutive year was held from��23rd and 24th November 2018��at Citrus, Waskaduwa, 91��ý.��This is one of the premier events where researchers,��academia, professionals, policymakers and the industry meet to network, discuss and learn about the latest developments��in forestry and environment in the region. The theme of this year’s symposium was“Towards Sustainable and Greener Future”.��

Symposium was graced by Prof. D. P. S. Chandrakumara; Acting Vice Chancellor of the 91��ý and the Dean of the , Prof. Sudantha Liyanage, Dean of the , ; Symposium Chair, Head of the Department of��Forestry and Environmental Science, Dr G G T Chandrathilake; Coordinator of the Symposium, Dr Varuni Jayasooriya; coordinator of the symposium, Dr Mary Boyse; Key Note Speaker,��Associate Professor of School of Science,��Edith Cowan University, Mr. Tom Jenkins;��Keynote Speaker, Head of Forest Research in Wales,��Forest Research Agency,��Environment Centre Wales,��United Kingdom, Western Australia and a large number of distinguished academic members and researchers representing various fields in forestry and environmental sciences.

Around 150 new key research findings under the themes of “Forest and Natural Resource Management,��Biodiversity and Ecological Health,��Climate Change and Disaster Management,��Sustainable Land Use and Urban Development,��Biomass and Sustainable Energy,��Waste Management and Pollution Control,��Wood Science, Wood and Non Wood Industry,��Environmental Economics in Resource Management,��Geology, Soil and Water Resource Management,��Environmental Engineering and Green Technology,��Corporate Responsibility and Sustainable Tourism” were presented by the scholars, local and foreign participants including key government officials, academics, researchers and business leaders in Forestry and Environment Sectors.

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Symposium on Emerging Viral Infections 2018

Hiran Amarasekera — Mon, 01 Oct 2018 08:57:30 +0000

collaboratively organized by the center for Dengue Research (CDR), 91��ý and the Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VIDRL), Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Australia was held on 20th and 21st September 2018��at 91��ý.��The aim of this conference was to bring together global experts who actively carry out research in the field of emerging viral infections to find out long-lasting solutions to these infections. Prof. Surangi Yasawardene, Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, and distinguished such as��Dr. Mike Catton; Director of the Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory,��Dr. Julian Druce: Head of Virus Identification Laboratory, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory etc. graced the event.

In addition, the event was attended by Dr.��Neelika Malavige (Director of CDR),��Prof. Krishan Deheragoda (Member of BOM),��Dr. Chandima Jeewandara (Member of BOM),��Dr. Vathsala Jayasuriya��(Member of BOM) and academic members representing both of the 91��ý and Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VIDRL), Doherty Institute, Melbourne.

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