On April 7, 2025, the Faculty of Management, University of Peradeniya, became the epicentre of sustainable innovation with the grand finale of Greenovate 2025—Sri Lanka’s premier all-island sustainability challenge for university undergraduates. The event was organized by ZeroPlastic University of Peradeniya, which aimed to combat plastic pollution and promote eco-conscious practices through youth-led innovation.
After weeks of rigorous evaluation, the most promising undergraduate teams gathered to present groundbreaking solutions to real-world environmental issues. These ideas spanned from biodegradable materials to circular economy models, all rooted in the theme of eliminating Plastic Pollution and Advancing Green Practices.
The event was powered by the support of industry partners and sponsors, most notably UVC Packaging Private Limited, who joined as the Bronze Sponsor. The Bank of Ceylon (BOC) also came on board as a key sponsor, reinforcing their commitment to environmental stewardship and youth empowerment. Their contributions played a vital role in enabling Greenovate 2025 to reach new heights, with both sponsors aligning seamlessly with the mission to promote sustainable packaging solutions and green innovation.
Greenovate 2025 is a sustainability-driven initiative by ZeroPlastic University of Peradeniya, aiming to ignite innovation and empower students to create impactful environmental solutions. This year, the project recognized the top five outstanding finalists who showcased exceptional creativity and commitment to eco-friendly innovation. The finalists include U.B.I. Nadeeshani and A.Y. Hituge from the Faculty of Arts, K.P. Ishan Indunil Weerasinghe from the Faculty of Management, Mewandi Niwarthana from the Faculty of Agriculture, and Dulanj Hansamali Jayalath from the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences. Their innovative ideas reflect the core mission of Greenovate — to transform the planet through youth-led, sustainable solutions. The project stands as a testament to the university’s commitment to environmental stewardship and inter-faculty collaboration.
Behind the scenes, the success of Greenovate was made possible by a passionate Organizing Committee who oversaw everything from planning and fundraising to logistics and outreach. Their dedication turned an ambitious vision into a powerful platform for change.
More than just a competition, Greenovate 2025 served as a beacon of hope and a call to action. It reminded everyone that sustainability is not just a goal—it’s a collective journey driven by innovation, collaboration, and purpose. By empowering the youth and fostering partnerships, Greenovate laid the foundation for a cleaner, more resilient future for generations to come.
