Center for Sustainability, University of Sri Jayewardenepura

What Center for Sustainability, University of Sri Jayewardenepura does

The Center for Sustainability (CFS) at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura is an academic and applied research unit operating since 2013 in Sri Lanka. It delivers environmental education, conservation services, and professional training through three field-based "Living Laboratories" — the Yagirala Forest Reserve, the Ittapana Mangrove Research Center, and the Karuwalagaswewa reforestation site — supplemented by the Madinnagoda wetland restoration program and a 400-hectare Carbon Neutral University initiative. The center conducts applied research on carbon footprint assessment (ISO 14064-aligned), ecosystem restoration, and waste management, while running certificate courses in ecotourism, solid waste management, sustainable forestry, and ESG/sustainability leadership.

The center's revenue model combines fee-based professional training (with participant fees ranging from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 65,000), corporate research and consulting engagements, and grant funding from international bodies including GEF ($50,000) and World Bank AHEAD (Rs. 35 million). Its customer base spans university students, government personnel, tourism professionals, plantation companies, and private sector organizations. Named corporate partners include Commercial Bank PLC, Stretchline, MAS Active, Courtaulds Trading Company, and Citizens Development Business Finance PLC, with international collaborations extending to the University of Western Australia, AHK Sri Lanka, and the British Council. The center operates with a small core team of 6 employees, executing programs such as a 17-acre reforestation partnership at Yagirala with Stretchline, a 5-acre MAS Active site, and a 5-acre Environment Day 2025 site with Commercial Bank. Recent strategic focus includes expansion into Green Skills vocational training under the German Dual VET model in collaboration with AHK Sri Lanka and Courtaulds Trading Company.

Name

Center for Sustainability, University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Legal name

Center for Sustainability, University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Website

https://sustainability.sjp.ac.lk

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Center for Sustainability at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura is a Sri Lankan academic unit, operating since 2013, that delivers applied environmental research, ecosystem restoration, and professional sustainability training via three field-based Living Laboratories for corporate, government, and student clients.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Education & Sustainability Research Services

NAICS

Environmental Consulting Services (541620), Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Administration of Environmental Quality Programs (9241)

SIC

Forestry (800), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPABALAK

Sustainability Engagement, Training & Behavior Change Programs (On-site)

Business & Public Services/Facilities Management & Building Services/Waste, Recycling & Sustainability Programs (On-site)

SECONDARYAFAMALAA

Forest Management Unit (FMU) Certification (FSC/PEFC/SFI)

Agriculture & Food Production/Forestry & Logging/Forest Certification Services

SECONDARYIMAMAJAK

Ecosystem Services & Natural Capital Programs (Water, Biodiversity Credits, PES)

Industrials, Manufacturing & Construction/Paper & Forest Products/Forest Management, Reforestation & Carbon Forestry Services

SECONDARYIMAMAJAJ

Sustainable Forest Certification & Chain-of-Custody Services (FSC/PEFC/SFI)

Industrials, Manufacturing & Construction/Paper & Forest Products/Forest Management, Reforestation & Carbon Forestry Services

SECONDARYEDAEAAAF

Waste, Recycling & Sustainability Services

Education/Education Facilities & Support Services/School & Campus Facilities Management (Janitorial, Landscaping, Maintenance)

Keywords

• Environmental research services
• Sustainability training programs
• Forest conservation services
• Carbon footprint assessment
• Waste management education

Headquarters

HQ city

Nugegoda

HQ country

Sri Lanka

HQ region

Asia

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Professional Training Programs: Revenue generated through fee-based certificate courses, workshops, and training programs in areas such as waste management, ecotourism, forestry conservation, and sustainability practices. Programs target professionals, students, and government personnel with course fees ranging from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 65,000 per participant.
2. Research and Consulting Services: Conducting industrial research projects and assessments for private sector clients, including carbon footprint assessments and sustainability certification impact studies funded by corporate partners.
3. Grant Funding: World Bank AHEAD ICE grants (Rs. 35 Million), GEF grants ($50,000/7.7M LKR), and other international funding for specific conservation and research projects.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

The Center for Sustainability is a university-based research and education unit that delivers fee-based professional certificate courses, applied environmental research, and field-based conservation services. Its core offerings include certificate training programs (ecotourism, waste management, sustainable forestry, green skills), corporate research and carbon footprint assessments, and large-scale forest, mangrove, and wetland restoration projects executed through Living Laboratories across Sri Lanka.

Product overview

The Center for Sustainability (CFS) at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura is an academic and research center that provides environmental education, conservation services, and training programs rather than a traditional software product platform. Its offerings include field research facilities (Yagirala Field Research and Conservation Education Center, Ittapana Mangrove Research and Resource Center), environmental restoration projects (forest reforestation, wetland restoration, carbon neutrality initiatives), and professional training programs (certificate courses in waste management, ecotourism, forestry conservation, and sustainability leadership). The center operates Living Laboratories at Yagirala, Ittapana, and Karuwalagaswewa locations and maintains partnerships with industry and government for research, technology transfer, and conservation projects.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Yagirala Field Research and Conservation Education Center A field research and conservation education facility located in the Yagirala Forest Reserve providing hands-on learning about tropical forest ecosystems; serves as a venue for workshops, conservation programs, and international student exchanges for students, researchers, and professionals.
• Ittapana Mangrove Research and Resource Center A mangrove research and conservation facility on a 2-acre mangrove-dominated site bordering the Bentota River, established through a land donation and partnership with Citizens Development Business Finance PLC, focused on mangrove ecosystem preservation and community-based sustainable economic opportunities.
• Higher Certificate Course in Ecotourism and Nature Interpretation A certificate course offered in collaboration with the Institute of Biology, Sri Lanka, designed to train naturalists, eco-interpreters, and eco-guides to deliver authentic and professional ecotourism experiences; priced at Rs. 65,000 per participant.
• Certificate Course on Municipal Solid Waste Management A four-day certificate program covering municipal waste management, engineered landfills, waste-to-energy technologies, composting, and legal aspects of solid waste management in Sri Lanka, including field visits; priced at Rs. 18,000 per participant.
• Certificate Course on Waste Management and Soil Remediation A two-day certificate course covering contaminated sites management, solid waste generation, Meethotamulla dump site lessons, integrated waste management strategies, and future solid waste management in Sri Lanka; Rs. 12,000 for locals / USD 150 for foreign participants.
• Short Course on Sustainable Forestry and Ecosystem Conservation A two-day workshop covering forest management concepts, economic aspects, harvest scheduling, soil conservation, forestry certifications, and biodiversity conservation in estate lands; targeted at plantation-sector professionals.
• Junior Naturalist Conservation Education Program A three-day hands-on conservation education program for school students held at the Yagirala Field Research Center, providing learning about tropical forest ecosystems to inspire environmental stewardship.
• Forest Restoration and Reforestation Projects Large-scale reforestation initiatives including Yagirala Forest Reserve restoration (Stretchline 17 acres, MAS Active 5-acre herbal garden, Commercial Bank primary sponsorship), Wanniyagama Reserved Forest (North Manufacturing), and Karuwalagaswewa (Lions Club, 1,000-acre pledge).
• Madinnagoda Wetland Ecosystem Restoration A GEF-funded (USD 50,000 / LKR 7.7 million) project to restore the Madinnagoda Wetland Ecosystem in Sri Jayewardenepura, Kotte, in collaboration with SLLRDC, including establishment of a Wetland Conservation Education Center and Field Laboratory.
• Carbon Neutrality Initiative A program to make the University of Sri Jayewardenepura the first carbon neutral university through reforestation of 400 hectares at Karuwalagaswewa in Puttalam District, working toward ISO 14064 standards.
• Integrated Solid Waste Management Short Course A short course designed for university students, government personnel, NGO representatives, and local government officials covering sustainable waste management and practical solutions.
• Green Skills and Sustainability Training Programs Training programs covering ESG frameworks, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), waste management, and circular economy, developed in partnership with Courtaulds Trading Company and AHK Sri Lanka following the German Dual VET model.
• Youth Climate Ambassador Training Program A four-day training program under the Youth Leadership for Climate Action (YLCA) initiative from British Council Sri Lanka, in collaboration with Earthlanka Youth Network.

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• British Council Sri LankacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 December 2025Youth Leadership for Climate Action (YLCA) initiative collaboration for training program for Youth Climate Ambassadors in partnership with Earthlanka Youth Network.
• Courtaulds Trading Company (Pvt) LtdcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 November 2025MoU collaboration for green skills and sustainability training programs. Mr. Sumith Siriwardana, Assistant General Manager, Group ESG, joined CFS as Collaborating Industry Expert. Focus on ESG frameworks, Life Cycle Assessment, waste management, and circular economy training following German Dual VET model.
• Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 November 2025Supports vocational training and capacity development collaboration between CFS and industry partners. Promotes German Dual Vocational Education and Training (VET) model for sustainability training programs.
• Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLCcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 June 2025Primary sponsor for World Environment Day 2025 reforestation initiative at Yagirala Forest Reserve. Provided 3,500 native saplings for planting 1,500 trees across 5 acres of degraded forest land. Partnership exemplifies corporate support for biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration.
• University for Sustainable Development Eberswalde, GermanyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2024First international undergraduate internship partnership. Nila Mahawela completing six-month internship focused on sustainable forest ecosystem management and hands-on conservation work.
• Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLCcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 August 2024Five-year partnership for Yagirala Forest Reserve restoration. Focus on rehabilitation of degraded areas, biodiversity enhancement, and community involvement. Project structured around biodiversity conservation, research and education, and public awareness objectives.
• North Manufacturing Pvt LtdminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 August 2024MoU to restore one acre of degraded forest land in Wanniyagama Reserved Forest using native species. Represents private sector commitment to environmental sustainability through industry-university partnership.
• Gesla Power (Pvt) LtdminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 March 2020MoU to encourage solar energy use in university community by creating platform to buy solar panels at reasonable rates. Expansion of Solar Power System at Department of Forestry and Environmental Science.
• EIKOU ECO FRIENDLY LANKA (Private) LimitedcoreTechnology or Integration · 7 February 2019MoU for technology transfer in solid waste management with Japanese mother company. Partnership to introduce environment-friendly comprehensive waste management technologies, scientific research collaboration, and technical transfer in innovative solid waste management.
• Eco-team Pvt LtdminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 April 2018Conservation Partnership Agreement for joint CSR/voluntary projects and research on sustainability and biodiversity conservation. Focus on collaborative environmental initiatives.
• SLLRDC (Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2018Collaboration for Madinnagoda Wetland Ecosystem restoration project. GEF-funded initiative to improve wetland ecosystem functionality with Wetland Conservation Education Center and Field Laboratory.
• MAS ActivecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 August 2017MoU for developing 5 acres of Yagirala University managed forest as a herbal garden and butterfly habitat. Project removes invasive species Dillenia suffruticosa and transforms land for biodiversity enrichment and ecotourism.
• Stretchline (Pvt) LtdcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 February 2017Funding for 17-acre forest restoration at Yagirala under four phases. Sri Lankan counterpart of the world's largest elastic manufacturer provides project funding through corporate sustainability initiative.
• University of Western AustraliacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2017Collaboration with University of Moratuwa and University of Jaffna, with Waste for Life organization, to develop capacity building educational program supporting community-based composite waste recycling and manufacturing businesses.
• Lions Club District 306C1minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partnership for tree planting program at Karuwalagaswewa. One acre restored as part of 1,000-acre forest restoration pledge.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute): India-based sustainability research and training institute with comparable offering mix of applied environmental research, certificate courses, and corporate consulting. Acts as a regional benchmark for what a mature sustainability centre looks like.
• CIFOR-ICRAF: Global forestry and agroforestry research institutions delivering applied research, training, and certification support. Comparable as a much larger, internationally funded peer in the forest-management and carbon-forestry space CFS occupies.
• Forest Department of Sri Lanka (Research & Training Wing): Government body that co-stewards Karuwalagaswewa and other forest sites; runs forestry training and certification programs at national scale. Operates in the same forestry capacity-building space with materially larger resources.
• Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) Asia: International policy research organization with applied environmental research, LCA, and capacity-building offerings that overlap with CFS's consulting and training portfolio at the Asia regional scale.

Others

• Waste for Life: International non-profit that partnered with CFS (with University of Western Australia) on the Poverty-Reducing Waste Composite Businesses workshop. Comparable in delivering applied, community-based waste-management training and research.
• British Council Sri Lanka: Current CFS partner on the Youth Leadership for Climate Action initiative; operates parallel climate-leadership and international-skills programming for Sri Lankan youth and institutions.

Direct peers

• Centre for Environmental Studies, University of Peradeniya: Sri Lankan state university sustainability/environmental research centre offering analogous training, research, and conservation programs. Direct institutional peer operating in the same domestic academic environment.
• Eco-Team Pvt Ltd: Sri Lankan ecotourism operator with which CFS has an existing Conservation Partnership Agreement; both deliver naturalist training and biodiversity programming and compete for the same eco-guide certification market.

Regional players

• IUCN Sri Lanka Country Office: Country office of a global conservation organization active in Sri Lankan ecosystem restoration, capacity building, and biodiversity programming. Comparable as a partner and as a competitor for conservation funding and projects.
• Earthlanka Youth Network: Sri Lankan youth climate network collaborating with CFS on the British Council YLCA Youth Climate Ambassador program. Overlaps in climate-leadership training targeting the same student/youth segment.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/set
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sustainability-sjp

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Center for Sustainability, University of Sri Jayewardenepura