International environmental university to be established in SL to support global climate change efforts: President
View(s):Sri Lanka plans to establish the world’s first international environmental university to support the global effort in addressing climate change, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said.
He made the announcement while addressing the 10th Environment Pioneer President’s Medal Awarding Ceremony 2020-2021, held at the BMICH this week.
Although climate change is a significant challenge in the world, there is no central research hub to study it, the President noted. He invited multiple countries to join Sri Lanka in the effort.
“Recognising the importance of addressing climate change, we believe it should be included in school and university curricula. That’s why we are planning to establish the International University of Climate Change, which will be the world’s first international environmental university. We expect it to provide opportunities for post-graduate and research work,” the President stated.
Mr Wickremesinghe also observed that there is currently no centre in the world dedicated to conducting research on climate change. Therefore, Sri Lanka is taking steps to start the International University on Climate Change by establishing that centre in Sri Lanka. “We hope to carry out this work with the participation of many countries, and give membership of the governing board to those countries and organisations,” said President Wickremesinghe.
Mr Wickremesinghe said the government believes that 2,000-3,000 people will enroll in this university every year, get the necessary training, and build a great relationship with the world. “We hope this will be a support that Sri Lanka can provide to face climate change. Therefore, we have discussed this with a number of governments and will be presenting information on this at the conference on climate change in Dubai this year,” he further said.
The ceremony recognised the excellent service of teachers, schools, regional environmental officials, and offices, with 129 environmental pioneers being awarded Presidential Medals. The Environment Pioneer President’s Medal is the highest accolade under the National Environment Pioneer President’s Medal, and the winners receive an additional 4 points in university entrance.
Aralagangwila Wilayaya National School was awarded as the best school, producing 14 Environment Pioneer President’s Medal winners, while the Central Provincial Office of the Central Environment Authority received the award for the best office, guiding the most significant number of Environment Pioneer President’s Medal winners (25).
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