Ready for the RISE?

Are you an innovator, creator, or visionary with a unique solution, product, or prototype?
Apply now for the chance to gain recognition, expand your network, and make an impact!

Who Can Participate?

Open to representatives from all departments of the Faculty of Applied Sciences

Application Deadline: 20th July 2025
Showcase Date: 1st August 2025
Venue: Genetics and Molecular Biology Unit, 91��ý.

All participants will receive a certificate of appreciation

To Apply, Click below,

For more information, please contact Dr. Kasun Thambugala – 0715687752.

#RISE2025 #GeMSoc #Innovation #Research #Sustainability #USJ #Genetics and Molecular Biology��Unit��#Showcase

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Save the dates: 15-16 February

Organized by the Ecosphere Resilience Research Centre (ERRC), 91��ý

Open to undergraduates & postgraduates

Gain insights from leading experts:

Prof. Meththika Vithanage

Dr. Kushani Mahatantila

Dr. Anushka Upamali Rajapaksha

Stay updated by joining the ERRC Community WhatsApp group.

The post Workshop on Microplastic Assessment in Environmental Samples and Analysis appeared first on USJ - 91��ý.

Announcing South Asia’s Oldest and Most Prestigious Forestry and Environment Symposium!
Theme: “A Multi-Sectoral Approach to a Sustainable Future”
Hosted by: Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, 91��ý

Why Submit?
– Present your research to a global audience
– Network with leading experts in the field
– Contribute to shaping sustainable policies
– Potential for publication in Journal of Tropical Forestry and Environment

Key Research Areas:
1. Forest and Natural Resource Management
2. Biodiversity Conservation
3. Climate Change and Disaster Management
4. Environmental Economics
5. Sustainable Energy and Green Technology
6. Urban Development and Land Use Planning
7. Water Resource Management
8. Environmental Engineering
9. Sustainable Tourism
10. Wood Science and Industry Innovations
11. ⁠Geology, Soil and Water Resource Management.
Special Track: Young Environment Symposium (Citizen Science Forum)
Important Dates:
Abstract Submission Deadline: 20th October 2024
Symposium Dates: 17th and 18th January 2025

Be part of the solution. Submit your groundbreaking research today!
Submit Your Abstract:

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In the latest edition of THE Impact Rankings, the 91��ý has significantly improved its position. In 2021, the university was ranked within the 801-1000 range, which was already a notable achievement. However, the university’s dedication to societal impact and sustainability has propelled it further up the ladder. In 2022, the university maintained its position in the 801-1000 range, demonstrating consistent performance. And now, in 2023, the university has surged ahead, securing a spot in the 601-800 range, a clear testament to its ongoing efforts.

Ranking based on performance in addressing specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

One of the key factors contributing to the 91��ý’s rise in the rankings is its performance in addressing specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined by the United Nations. Notably, the university achieved outstanding ranks in SDGs that are crucial for creating a better future:

SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): The university earned a global rank of 74.1 for its dedication to affordable and clean energy solutions, showcasing its commitment to environmental sustainability and combating climate change.

SDG 1 (No Poverty): The university achieved a global rank of 60.3 for its initiatives aimed at eradicating poverty and creating inclusive opportunities for all, ensuring a more equitable society.

SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): The university secured an impressive global rank of 48.3 for its relentless efforts in promoting food security and sustainable agriculture, making significant strides toward eliminating hunger.

SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): The university attained a global rank of 45.3, demonstrating its success in fostering meaningful collaborations and partnerships to achieve the United Nations’ sustainable development goals.

The 91��ý’s consistent advancement in THE Impact Rankings underscores its commitment to making a positive impact on society, the environment, and the economy. Through innovative research, community engagement, and responsible practices, the university continues to set an example in driving sustainable change within its local and global communities.

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91��ý became the first university in South Asia to report its Carbon Footprint according to the ISO 14064-1: 2018 standard. USJ achieved this milestone as a part of “USJ Road to Carbon Neutral” program with the hard work and execution of the action plan by

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“We found that Learner motivation; and teacher-student, student-student and student-content ��interactions had a significant impact on student satisfaction in online learning”, said Director of��International Center for Multidisciplinary Studies, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, 91��ý.��A study to explore the determinants of student satisfaction in online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic Online Learning was conducted among ��1376 undergraduates enrolled in various courses in Humanities and Social sciences at three state universities in 91��ý. .�� This study was initiated by the����of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, 91��ý and results were published in ��,��a journal indexed in�������Ի���.

Among the three variables, learner motivation was found to exert the strongest effect on students’ satisfaction, implying the crucial role self-regulated learning—characterized by motivation—plays in online learning environments. Authors write: “This finding is not surprising given that in online learning, unlike in face-to-face learning, learners are left with the additional responsibility of their learning. As a result, self-regulated learning plays an important role in its success. While motivation holds the key in self-regulated learning, self-regulated learners, in contrast to others, tend to develop an independent learning style, display self-directed behavior and have an internal locus of control of their learning. Thus, online learners are generally assumed to be self-motivated, and this makes them naturally become more satisfied with their learning.”

Furthermore, as expected, the study found that various challenges that students face in their online learning decrease their satisfaction. Nevertheless, the mere existence of challenges may not always hamper student motivation in online education as distance learners are naturally more self-resilient and motivated.

Finally, the study found that poor interaction (teacher-student; student-student; student-content) leads to decreased student satisfaction in online learning: “Even though interaction is a determinant of student success and satisfaction in any mode of learning, it seems to have extra significance in online learning. This may be because rich student-student and lecturer-student interaction can alleviate the feeling of isolation that many students are supposed to experience in online learning spaces”, said

The article can be accessed using the following link:

Download the PDF file��

Read more Research Articles :

USJ and USDA-ARS collaborative research team discovered new Pathogenic Fungal species

Translating waste to wealth : Colloidal and nano biochars convert human urine to safe organic fertilizer

Biofuel from Cyanobacteria and paper waste – The Centre for Water Quality and Algae Research

Endocrine disruptor Tributyltin (TBT) found in water and invertebrates in ship traffic zones for the first time in 91��ý – USJ Water Quality and Algae Research

FOT researchers produce Bioethanol from Banana fruit waste

Antibody responses declined but T cell responses remained 12 weeks after Sinopharm second dose – USJ research

Terracotta Pavements give lower surface temperature levels in cities than Cement Pavers and Grass Pavers – Dept. of Forestry and ES research

Respect living and deceased when studying human remains: USJ helps to craft global guidelines and ethics in ancient DNA research

New analysis recovered 14 unidentified potential new frog species and remove eight from the checklist – USJ joint research

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Green Pulse Pledge: 91��ý

As a proud member of this reputable university, I pledge��wholeheartedly��to do my utmost to help mitigate the��Environmental impact of 91��ý.��I will strive to minimise the ecological consequences of my decisions and actions; fulfil my��responsibilities��as a��Sustainability Champion of University’s ;��be a role model to my fellow co-workers;�����Ի���use the knowledge gained to improve and promote sustainability within the communities in which I live and work.��I promise to lead, take part in, and/or support all initiatives of University in our journey towards becoming the leader in environmentally responsible Citizen that will be an inspiration to the people of our great nation.

Sustainability Plan of University of Sri Jayawardenapura towards a Green University

Step 0

Declaration of the Program to become a Sustainable University. To be done on the International Environment Day on June 5^th 2016.

Step 1

Knowing where we are

• Conducting an Energy Audit to assess energy use in different departments and hostels
• Conducting a water audit to assess water use in different departments and hostels
• Conducting a paper waste audit to quantify total wastepaper generation
• Calculation of carbon footprint
• Estimation of total food waste ( with variations during vacations)
• Key environment related activities taking place by different departments

(Eg Pilot project on solid waste quantification in Management faculty)

Step 2

Developing�� a Sustainability Plan

• Preparing an Energy Management plan for reducing energy bill by 20% (to be decided)
• Preparing a water management plan to reduce water consumption by 10%
• Development of a collection system to collect waste paper and plan for a recycling plant with the assistance of a private partner ( Fund to be requested from a foreign embassy or Pilisaru project of CEA)
• Develop a Carbon Management Plan
• Design a bio gas plant for managing food wastes and other bio degradable waste
• Develop a Control mechanism for use of plastic and polythene and a collection system for used polythene and plastics
• Develop a plan for substitution of asbestos from roofing and partitions
• Develop a green procurement scheme for selected products procurement.

Step 3

Implementation of Projects for Sustainability

• Replacement of all street lights and garden lights with solar operated lighting
• Purchase / construction of a biogas plant and commissioning within the university
• Agreement with a private party for starting a paper recycling plant ( inside the uni premises?)
• Replacement of all filament lamps and fluorescent tubes with CFL/LED light fittings
• Handing over all fused fluorescent light fittings to Asia�� Recycling for Mercury recovery
• Establishment of a Electronic Waste collection station (Kiosk for old mobile phones, mobile phone batteries, calculators,
• Switch to environmentally friendly chemicals for all cleaning applications?
• Make future procurements from environmentally friendly products (all air conditioners can be solar or solar assisted, computers with energy star label, lights with energy label etc)

Step 4

Capacity Building and Dissemination

• A basic awareness on environment protection to all new students entering the university
• A e news letter to all academic and nonacademic staff and students ?
• Installation of digital display boards at key points and play short sustainability videos and messages)
• Short awareness courses on sustainability for all students in the university
• A monthly guest lecture on sustainability by an invited external guest lecturer ( include internal too?)
• A poster/ essay/ songs competition , among students on sustainability theme and awards to winners. A separate section for non academics too to participate in the competition?
• Articles and Short booklets to be written by undergraduate/Masters students for review by a panel and publishing ( Subjects: 3R, Climate Change, Food wastes, Changing Our life styles, Do not throw it, Circular economy, etc)
• Selected CSR work with the neighborhood ( To be developed)

Read more on:��Steps towards a Green University

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As a proud member of this reputable university, I pledge��wholeheartedly��to do my utmost to help mitigate the��Environmental impact of 91��ý.��I will strive to minimise the ecological consequences of my decisions and actions; fulfil my��responsibilities��as a��Sustainability Champion of University’s ;��be a role model to my fellow co-workers;�����Ի���use the knowledge gained to improve and promote sustainability within the communities in which I live and work.��I promise to lead, take part in, and/or support all initiatives of University in our journey towards becoming the leader in environmentally responsible Citizen that will be an inspiration to the people of our great nation.

Read more on:��Steps towards a Green University

The post Green Pledge of 91��ý towards Green University appeared first on USJ - 91��ý.

Organized by the ��Faculty of Graduate Studies in collaboration with the Department of Forestry and Environmental Sciences of the Faculty of Applied Sciences at the 91��ý, Environment Day Commemoration ��was held yesterday (15^th June 2016) at the Auditorium of the Department to commemorate the World Environmental Day.

This press conference led by Prof. Hemanthi Ranasinghe, Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies and other resource persons; shed light to the latest initiative of the university which was to launch the concept of a Green University. This forum thereby dedicated most of its time in conducting a workshop with guest speakers sharing their knowledge under the theme, “Steps towards a Green University”.�� This was believed to be the university’s contribution towards celebrating the World Environmental Day.

Read more on:��Steps towards a Green University

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