Undergraduate presentation under the Climate Tank Accelerator Project

The Seed of Peace, a non-profit organization collaborating with the U.S. Department of State, has initiated a climate change awareness project called the Student Societies for Climate Change Awareness (SSCCA). This initiative offers online courses for students on climate change, culminating in a competition where participants can win a fully funded fellowship in the U.S. Through the SSCCA program, students will gain the knowledge and tools needed to take meaningful climate action and tackle the global climate crisis. A large number of students from the universities in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka are participating in this program while developing a network for knowledge sharing. The Center for Environmental Sustainability (CES) at the University of Peradeniya is coordinating the initiative, with 37 student societies from the University of Peradeniya—representing the highest participation from a single institution—actively involved.

In the initial phase, all students underwent online training sessions focused on climate change, climate change impacts and related actions. Out of 18 student groups, four from the University of Peradeniya were selected for the second phase: three from the Faculty of Agriculture and one from the Faculty of Science. Their project presentations were assessed by a panel that included Ms. Zahra Hajyani, Public Engagement Specialist at the U.S. Consulate in Karachi; Mr. Qasim Aslam, Project Director of the SSCCA program; Ms. Shweta Patole, Senior Program Manager at Seeds of Peace; Mr. Priyank Badola, Senior Program Coordinator at Seeds of Peace; and Ms. Erandika Ediriweera, Deputy Program Coordinator at American Corner Kandy. The University of Peradeniya continues to demonstrate exceptional commitment and enthusiasm for climate change awareness and action. With ongoing support and structured guidance, these student groups are poised to make significant contributions in the fight against climate change.