The Fourth International Conference of the Centre for Environmental Sustainability (ICCES) 2025, jointly organized by the Centre for Environmental Sustainability (CES) in collaboration with the Postgraduate Institute of Science (PGIS) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs of the Central Province, was successfully held as a hybrid event on September 12, 2025, at the Postgraduate Institute of Science, University of Peradeniya.
A total of sixty-five abstracts were presented at the conference, spanning three key thematic areas that highlight the multifaceted nature of environmental sustainability: Environmental Science, Technology, and Pollution Control; Biodiversity, Conservation, and Ecology; and Climate Adaptation, Green Innovations, and Sustainable Governance.
The closing ceremony of the conference was graced by Ms. Saranya V.S., Assistant High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka (Kandy), who attended as the Chief Guest. Prof. Ranjith Pallegama, Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya, participated as the Guest of Honour. The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Tilak Hewawasam, Chairman of the Central Environmental Authority, on the theme “Environmental Protection versus Sustainable Living: Challenges for Environmental Regulatory Agencies.” Mr. Chaminda Abeyaratne, Assistant Director at the Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs, represented the Central Provincial Council at the ceremony.
During the event, student societies involved in the PET recycling initiative—jointly implemented by Ceylon Cold Stores (CCS) and the Centre for Environmental Sustainability—were recognized for their contributions. Mr. Amila Sirimanne, Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs at CCS, awarded cheques to the best-performing student societies.
A special issue of the International Journal of Environmental Issues (IJEI), featuring research articles presented at ICCES 2023, was officially launched by Prof. Namal Priyantha, Editor-in-Chief. Additionally, a new issue of Sobha magazine, published by the Central Provincial Council and featuring articles by ICCES 2025 presenters and other scholars, was launched by Mr. Chaminda Abeyaratne.
