The Department of Civil Engineering of the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL), together with the International Centre for Multidisciplinary Studies of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJP), proudly co-hosted the 22nd International Conference on Sustainable Development (ICSD) 2025. The prestigious global event, organized annually by the Ontario International Development Agency (OIDA), Canada, was held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from September 3–4, 2025.
ICSD is one of the world’s leading multidisciplinary platforms dedicated to advancing research, policies, and practices in sustainable development. Hosting this event in Sri Lanka marked a significant milestone for OUSL, reflecting its growing international engagement and its commitment to promoting sustainability-driven research and knowledge exchange.
Inauguration and Distinguished Guests
The two-day conference commenced with an opening ceremony attended by esteemed dignitaries.
The Vice Chancellor of the Open University of Sri Lanka and the Representative of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura graced the ceremony as Chief Guests, reinforcing the institutional partnership and shared academic mission of the two universities.
In his welcome remarks, Senior Professor T.M. Pallewatta, representing the Department of Civil Engineering, highlighted the importance of sustainability-focused discourse at a time when global environmental, economic, and social challenges require collective and interdisciplinary solutions. His address set a collaborative and forward-looking tone for the event.
Keynote Address and Technical Contributions
One of the major highlights of the conference was the keynote speech delivered by Dr. Chandana Kulasuriya, a Senior Lecturer of the Department of Civil Engineering, OUSL. His presentation, titled “Aesthetic Sustainability & Visual Pollution,” explored the intersection between sustainability, urban design, and visual environmental quality. The keynote introduced innovative perspectives on how aesthetic considerations contribute to sustainable cities and communities, sparking active dialogue among participants.
Academic Involvement from OUSL
Throughout the conference, members of the OUSL academic staff played several vital roles:
- Senior Prof. T.M. Pallewatta and Senior Prof. D.A.R. Dolage served as Evaluators, ensuring high academic standards in the assessment of research presented.
- Dr. Isuru Wijayawardane, Dr. Nadira Gunathilaka, and Dr. Chandana Kulasuriya served as Session Co-chairs, facilitating thematic discussions and guiding the technical sessions.
- Three final-year civil engineering undergraduates—Ms. P.M. Sandali Jayathilake, Ms. Kumari Hathiyalwela, and Mr. U. Kisho Raj—contributed as Conference Assistants, gaining valuable exposure to international research dissemination and event coordination.
International Delegation and Global Research Contributions
ICSD 2025 attracted a distinguished panel of international scholars and professionals, including the Canadian delegation:
- Dr. Steven Cheah, Retired Economics Professor, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Canada
- Dr. Masud Rahman, Emeritus Professor, University of Nord, Norway
- Dr. Henri Pallard, Emeritus Professor of Law and Justice, Laurentian University, Canada
- Dr. Robert Taylor, Professor, Montclair State University, New Jersey, USA
- Dr. Neville Hewage, Program Director, OIDA, Canada
- Dr. Emily Tan, Retired Professor, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Canada
These distinguished participants brought diverse expertise from fields including economics, law, justice, social sciences, environmental policy, and sustainable development.
Researchers from Sri Lanka, India, the United States, Canada, and South Africa presented a wide range of research papers addressing contemporary global challenges. Topics included climate change adaptation, sustainable urban development, renewable energy systems, circular economy models, environmental governance, and emerging interdisciplinary perspectives on sustainability.
The diversity of voices and research areas enriched the conference and created vibrant academic dialogue throughout the two days.
Special Recognition: OUSL Awarded LKR 2 Million Publication Grant
A key outcome of the conference was the awarding of a LKR 2 million publication grant to the Department of Civil Engineering, OUSL, by OIDA.
This grant is expected to elevate the department’s international research visibility by supporting:
- Participation in the 23rd International Conference on Sustainable Development 2026 in Melbourne, Australia
- Publication fees for research papers in the OIDA International Journal of Sustainable Development, a peer-reviewed, open-access journal indexed in SCOPUS and DOAJ
This recognition underscores the department’s active role in global academic networks and its contributions to sustainability research.
A Milestone for Global Collaboration
The successful hosting of ICSD 2025 marks a significant achievement for the Department of Civil Engineering, OUSL. The event fostered meaningful dialogue among academics, researchers, and professionals from multiple disciplines and regions, promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing on pressing sustainability issues.
For OUSL, the conference served as a platform to showcase its academic leadership, strengthen international partnerships, and inspire students and staff to expand their engagement in global research initiatives.
The Department extends its appreciation to all collaborators, partners, presenters, and volunteers who contributed to the success of the conference.
Looking Ahead
Building on the momentum of ICSD 2025, the Department of Civil Engineering is committed to continuing its involvement in sustainability-centered programs and expanding its international collaboration footprint. Participation in future ICSD events—including the 2026 conference in Melbourne—will further enhance the department’s role in advancing sustainable development both in Sri Lanka and globally.