CEI Launches a series of workshops on Waste Management for University Staff

The Centre for Environmental Initiatives (CEI) successfully launched its inaugural Waste Management Workshop for university staff on Friday, October 31st, 2025. The full-day session, held from 8.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m., marked an important step toward fostering a sustainable and environmentally conscious university community. The workshop was strategically designed to address the diverse and complex waste streams encountered within a university setting and featured expert contributions from three distinguished resource persons.

The day was structured around three critical areas of waste management:

Session 1: Addressing Laboratory Waste

The workshop commenced with an essential session on Laboratory Waste conducted by Prof. M.N. Kaumal, from the Department of Chemistry, University of Colombo. This session provided critical guidance on the safe handling, storage, and disposal protocols necessary to maintain environmental compliance and safety within academic research spaces.

Session 2: Insightful Focus on Solid Waste

Another key highlight of the day was the insightful and engaging presentation on Solid Waste delivered by Dr N.M.L. Radhika, Assistant Director of the Environmental Promotion Unit at the Central Environmental Authority. Dr Radhika’s session was an eye-opener for the participants, offering practical strategies and setting an excellent, motivational tone for the entire workshop series planned by the CEI.

Session 3: Clinical and Hazardous Waste Management

Concluding the educational sessions, Mr Janaka Wijesekera, Director of Process Management Consultants (Pvt) Ltd, shared his expertise on the management of Clinical Waste and Hazardous Waste. This crucial segment equipped the staff with the knowledge required to handle specialised waste materials safely and responsibly. The CEI is committed to continuing this series and looks forward to engaging the expertise of these distinguished professionals in future workshops to improve the efficiency of the waste management of the university.