The Center for Sustainability (CFS), part of the Department of Forestry and Environmental Science at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with North Manufacturing Private Ltd to restore one acre of forest in the Wanniyagama Reserved Forest. The MOU was signed on August 7th, 2024, at the Vice Chancellor’s office, with Senior Prof. Pathmalal Manage, Vice Chancellor of the University, signing on behalf of the institution.
Representatives from North Manufacturing Pvt Ltd, including Ms. Ruwani Ishanthi, Sustainability Manager, Ms. Lasintha Dulmini, Executive, and Mr Chamindu Tharaka, Executive, attended the signing ceremony. The Center for Sustainability (CFS) was represented by Dr. GGT Chandrathilake, Director and Senior Lecturer, along with Mr. Kosala Gunawardana, Curator, and internship students from the CFS.
The main objective of the MOU is to restore one acre of degraded forest land in the Wanniyagama Reserved Forest. This land, identified for restoration, will be rehabilitated using native species under the joint collaboration of the CFS and North Manufacturing Pvt Ltd.
The CFS has a proven track record of success in promoting and disseminating knowledge and practices related to sustainability, particularly through its partnerships with private sector organizations. The project to restore one acre of degraded forest land exemplifies North Manufacturing Pvt Ltd’s strong commitment to environmental sustainability, while also serving as another successful example of a sustainable industry-university partnership initiated by the CFS.
The signing of the MOU represents an important step forward for both the University and North Manufacturing Pvt Ltd, as it demonstrates their shared commitment to environmental sustainability and to promoting the restoration and preservation of natural resources. This project will not only restore the degraded land but also create a healthier ecosystem that will benefit the surrounding community and the wider environment.
