Awareness Session on Green Procurement for University Staff - CEI

The Centre for Environmental Initiatives (CEI) conducted a webinar on Green Procurement for university staff on 8 April 2026 to promote sustainable purchasing practices across the university. The session was facilitated by Mr Priyanga Kirihena, Deputy General Manager of Supply Chain Operations at Siedles (Pvt) Ltd., who has over 34 years of professional experience and expertise in supply chain management.
The webinar provided university staff with strategic guidance on the key concepts, objectives, and processes of green procurement, helping staff make environmentally responsible purchasing decisions, integrating environmental, social, and economic sustainability into procurement processes. Participants were introduced to the traditional procurement cycle and its importance in enhancing institutional efficiency while supporting sustainability goals.
The session further highlighted the concept of Green Procurement, focusing on environmentally responsible purchasing through life-cycle analysis, carbon footprint reduction, resource efficiency, and the selection of eco-certified suppliers. Practical strategies for establishing a greener campus culture, including environmental standards, responsible consumption, and monitoring mechanisms, were also discussed. Special attention was given to the “Triple Bottom Line” approach, which balances environmental, social, and economic considerations in decision-making. The workshop also introduced the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) model to encourage procurement decisions that consider long-term operational, maintenance, and disposal costs alongside initial purchasing costs.
Through initiatives such as this workshop, the CEI continues to strengthen sustainability awareness and institutional capacity building within the university community while supporting the University of Colombo’s commitment toward environmentally responsible practices and sustainable development.