Announced at a launch event at the BMICH on Monday, 11th August, the initiative seeks to empower Sri Lankan youth in higher education to shape a climate-resilient future through skill building, partnerships and networks.
The launch event was attended by university students, academics, climate advocates, policymakers and senior leadership from the British Council. Professor Wasantha Kumara - Deputy Vice Chairman of the University Grants Commission graced the launch alongside Special Guest Dr Ananda Mallawatantri - International Specialist in Environment, Climate Change and Green Finance. Orlando Edwards - Country Director of British Council Sri Lanka and Dr Farah Altenberg - Acting Director, Education and Arts of British Council delivered remarks.
The initiative is the latest in a series of projects led by the British Council to build youth activism in climate action through its Non-Formal Education programmes.
Over the past three years this extensive portfolio has engaged over 1000 youth from Sri Lanka to become - and remain - powerful advocates for the environment and climate.
The University Youth Climate Ambassadors programme aims to equip university students with leadership and climate action skills, while deepening their understanding of gender equality and social inclusion in climate initiatives.
Through experiential learning, co-creation, and inclusive participation, it will guide youth aged 18-34 in higher education through a structured learning journey designed to foster climate leadership, social inclusion and systems thinking.
This initiative reflects the British Council’s global priorities on climate, education and youth engagement and draws strength from the UK’s deep commitment to climate leadership,” said Orlando Edwards, Country Director, for British Council Sri Lanka.
“We believe that when young people are given the right tools, right networks and the right encouragement, they don’t just respond to change – they lead it.”
Five leading universities representing the public and private sector have joined the first edition of the programme: these include Open University, Ocean University, University of Ruhuna, University of Jaffna and NSBM Green University with another to soon follow.
Nivetha Sivarajah, a University of Jaffna graduate and alumnus of the British Council’s Youth Climate Programmes, shared her advice for university students interested in joining the initiative, saying “Networking with climate professionals during your undergraduate years can open pathways to climate-related careers and help you learn how climate action works in practice.”
Nivetha is currently pursuing a PhD student in Agronomy and Soil Science.
Young leaders like Nivetha are testament to the power, passion and conviction of youth in driving climate action throughout their academic and professional careers.
As Professor Nalika Ranatunga, British Council Youth Climate Ambassadors Programme Coordinator for University of Ruhuna said,
“With nearly a decade of enriching work with the British Council, I am thrilled to see the Youth Climate Ambassadors programme inspire a culture where young people lead impactful climate action as true protectors of our planet.”