Diploma in Natural Resources and Ecotourism

The Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) introduced the Diploma in Natural Resources and Ecotourism Programme in the Academic year 2025/ 2026. The aim of the programme is to create an awareness of the importance of Natural Resources and how Ecotourism Management contributes to conserving our natural resources

Aims of the Programme
• To create an awareness on the importance of managing natural resources and how the application of ecotourism concepts contributes to conserving natural resources in Sri Lanka and other parts of the world.
• To make available a basic course in Natural Resources and Ecotourism management to persons interested and/or engaged in Ecotourism, Natural resources and Biodiversity Conservation and Management activities.
• To provide an academic recognition to persons with skills-based knowledge in ecotourism.

This is the Programme for you, if you are

Planning to start your own Ecotourism Business
Already in the business, but don’t understand the concepts
Just interested in increasing your knowledge base on natural tourism and natural resources management in Sri Lanka

Online Application Guidelines 2025/2026

General

Programme Code :	DR
Programme Category :	Diploma Programme
Conducted by:	Department of Zoology, Faculty of Natural Sciences
Programme duration :	Minimum 01 Year
Discipline(s) / Course(s) :	Diploma in Natural Recourses and Ecotourism involves courses related to diversity of Living Organisms, ecological Assessment of Habitats Environment, Society and Culture in Sri Lanka, natural Resources, Biodiversity and Wildlife Conservation in Sri Lanka, Environmental Communication and Interpretation, Concepts and Practices in Eco-tourism, Environmental Policies of Sri Lanka and a compulsory research project.

Admission

• Passed G.C.E. (A/L) Examination with three (03) subjects in any number of sittings, or

• Pass any Foundation Level Courses offered by the OUSL, or

• Successfully completed the Certificate in Wildlife Conservation and Management or Certificate in Environmental Sciences conducted by the OUSL, or

• Any other qualification acceptable to the OUSL Senate.

Application

Online Applications :	08^th October 2026
Closing Date for Applications :	09^th November 2026
Programme commencing date :	19th December 2026

Finance

Online Application Fee – LKR. 500/

Tuition Fee (per credit) : LKR. 1,300.00 (Total 30 x 1,300.00 = LKR. 39,000.00)

Facility Fee : LKR. 2,500.00

Registration Fee : LKR. 500.00

Library Facilities Fee : LKR. 100.00

Tuition fees are charged in two installments. 1st installment – 60% ( at the registration) and 2nd installment 40%
Other fees (Registration fee, facility fee, and Library facilities fee) are charged in full at the registration.

Other Details

Regulation for Diploma in Natural Resources and Ecotourism

Academic Activities -19.12.2026 -21.11.2027

CAT period –CAT 1 (24.04.2027-08.05.2027)/CAT 2(10.07.2027-18.07.2027)

Eligibility/OCAM (an exact date is required) – 06.09.2027

Final Examinations – 20.11.2027 – 28.11.2027

Submitting green sheets from the dept. to the exams division – 24.12.2027

Results (an exact date is required) –31.12.2027

Avalable Courses for this Study Programme Find Courses

Last updated :August 10, 2026

Contact Details

This Diploma in Natural Recourses and Ecotourism programme is conducted by the Department of Zoology, Faculty of Natural Sciences.

Address:	Prof. Uthpala Jayawardena ( Head/ Department of Zoology) Prof. D.D.G.L. Dahanayaka ( Program Coordinator) Department of Zoology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, The Open University of Sri Lanka, Nawala.
Contact:	011 288 1488, 0112881446
Email :	Prof. Uthpala Jayawardena hdzoo@ou.ac.lk Prof. D.D.G.L. Dahanayaka dddah@ou.ac.lk