Established in 1998 as the Environmental Studies Unit (ESU), the Centre for Environmental Studies and Sustainable Development (CESSD) at the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) has evolved into a dynamic hub for environmental education and innovation. The Centre was originally established to offer specialized training in Environmental Science for officers of the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) and the Ministry of Environment. Today, it has expanded its focus to reach a wider audience. In 2015, its transformation into CESSD marked a renewed commitment to addressing the complex intersections of environment and sustainable development. 

With the launch of its multidisciplinary Master of Science in Environmental Science programme in 2007, the Centre now draws on the diverse academic strengths of OUSL’s faculties to provide a holistic, systems-based approach to environmental learning. CESSD stands at the forefront of nurturing skilled, environmentally conscious professionals, ready to meet the sustainability challenges of today and tomorrow.