University of Colombo leads regional drive for environmental cooperation

The University of Colombo is taking a bold step towards advancing regional collaboration on sustainability through the Indo-Lanka Environmental Law Week, scheduled to begin today (Oct. 15).

- BY IFHAM NIZAM

Spearheaded by Vice Chancellor Professor Indika Karunathilake, the week-long initiative underscores the University's growing leadership in environmental governance, education, and policy innovation across South Asia.

The event will bring together 35 Indian law students from Amity Law School and 15 Sri Lankan students from the Faculty of Law, University of Colombo. Over seven days, participants will engage in lectures, field visits, and policy workshops focusing on critical legal doctrines including the Polluter Pays Principle, Public Trust Doctrine, and Intergenerational Equity as well as practical sessions on environmental governance.

The programme, organised in collaboration with the Centre for Environmental Law and Policy, Amity Law School, and the Commonwealth Legal Education Association, will conclude with the Indo-Lanka Policy Dialogue on Regional Environmental Cooperation, on October 22, at the University's Senate Hall.

Vice Chancellor Professor Karunathilake said the University's vision goes far beyond academic dialogue.

"As a university, we want to turn knowledge into action," he told The Island. "Environmental protection is not just a classroom subject it's a moral responsibility. We must convert best practices and academic insights into real-world interventions that make a measurable difference."