Short Video Competition Successfully Concluded to Commemorate World Environment Day 2026
The Department of Ayurveda Pharmacology, Pharmaceutics and Community Medicine, in collaboration with the Environmental Committee of the Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo, successfully organized a Short Video Competition to commemorate World Environment Day 2026 under the theme “Protecting Nature for a Sustainable Future.”
The competition aimed to foster environmental awareness, promote sustainable practices, and encourage creativity through digital storytelling. Initially planned exclusively for students of the Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, the competition was later expanded to welcome participants from other universities in response to the enthusiastic interest received. The event attracted a diverse range of creative and informative video submissions addressing environmental conservation, biodiversity protection, waste management, climate action, and sustainable living.
The submissions were evaluated on 1st August 2026 by a distinguished panel of judges:
- Mr. Palitha K. Wijesinghe – Former Director (Human Resources), National Rupavahini Corporation, with over 30 years of experience in television production and videography; Visiting Lecturer, MSc in Mass Media Communication, University of Kelaniya.
- Dr. N. D. Kodithuwakku – Senior Lecturer, Department of Ayurveda Pharmacology, Pharmaceutics and Community Medicine, Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo.
- Mr. Ruwan Kohombakanda – Senior IT Instructor, Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo.
The videos were assessed based on their relevance to the competition theme, originality, creativity, scientific accuracy, technical quality, presentation, and overall impact.
The winners of the competition are as follows:
Undergraduate Category – Internal Students (Faculty of Indigenous Medicine)
First Place – W. A. Rachana Sammani Fernando and team
Team members – R. Sandamini Tharuka, M. Sanduni Geethika Dias, C. H. Nimantha Wethmini, R. A. W. Hasini Vihanga
Second Place – E. I. V. Edirisinghe
Third Place – R. Bhavarshan
Third Place – A. G. L. S. Rajasinghe
Undergraduate Category – External Students
First Place – S. Chinthani Pravindhaya Premachandra of Faculty of Technology, Southeastern University of Sri Lanka
Second Place – W. S. Upeksha Wedagedara and team
Team members – D. M. Kaushani Dilthara, R. M. Oshadhi Rathnayaka, W. P. G. Rashini Ashara of Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya
Non-Academic Staff Category
First place- Mr. G. S. K. Perera of Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo
Second Place – Khalingarajah Harichandra and Thakshini Harichandra of University of Jaffna
An award ceremony was held at the Faculty of Indigenous Medicine to recognize the outstanding performances of the winners. In addition to recognizing the winners of the Short Video Competition, Certificates of Appreciation were presented during the award ceremony to the participants of the Street Drama organized on 12 June 2026 as part of the Faculty’s World Environment Day commemorative activities. The Department extends its sincere appreciation to all participants for their enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment to promoting environmental sustainability through innovative visual communication.
The organizing committee also expresses its heartfelt gratitude to the panel of judges for their valuable time, expertise, and impartial evaluation, which greatly contributed to the success of the competition.
The Faculty of Indigenous Medicine remains committed to promoting environmental consciousness and encouraging community engagement through educational and creative initiatives that contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.
