The Center for Environmental Sustainability (CES), the International Relations Office (InRO), and the Department of Botany at the University of Peradeniya, along with the Kandy Municipal Council (KMC), jointly organized a community awareness program in Kandy city on waste management to commemorate the International Week 2023 of the University of Peradeniya. The primary objective was to empower global citizens on environmental sustainability.
Dr. Anuruddha Karunarathne, from the Department of Agriculture Engineering, and Dr. Nalin Suranjith, from the Department of Botany, of the University of Peradeniya conducted a trainer training program for 30 GreenTerns, undergraduate interns affiliated with the CES. This training equipped the interns with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective waste management practices, setting the stage for their role in a subsequent community outreach activity.
The culmination of these efforts took place on December 2, 2023, with a successful community outreach activity in Kandy city. Targeting local businesses, the initiative aimed to strengthen the waste management plan implemented by the KMC. Trained GreenTerns, alongside waste management supervisors from KMC, engaged business owners in awareness sessions focused on proper waste segregation and sustainable practices.
The success of the Waste Management Trainer Training Program and Community Outreach Activity highlights the University of Peradeniya’s commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement. This collaborative effort between academia and local governance sets a promising precedent for future endeavors in environmental conservation and community welfare, showcasing the potential for transformative change when various stakeholders unite with a shared vision for a greener and more sustainable future.
