As Nalanda College marks its 100th anniversary, it has taken a groundbreaking step by establishing a ‘Green Energy and Climate Actions Society’ – an initiative that aims to transform the school into a beacon of environmental sustainability and climate consciousness while preparing their students for a rapidly evolving world.

The newly formed society represents a collaborative effort of the Old Boys’ Association (OBA) and the students under the guidance of the Principal and the teachers. This approach ensures broad participation and diverse perspectives in achieving the society’s ambitious objectives.

Nalanda College  has recognised that addressing climate change and planetary crises requires a long-term, systematic approach – not quick fixes to these challenges, but a need for gradual, sustained transition towards a greener, climate-smart, and sustainable world.

In this spirit, the society focuses on three critical areas:

• Energy Management and Clean Energy Transformation
• Climate Action Programs
• Sustainability Measures

By pioneering this approach to environmental education, Nalanda College is taking a leadership role in grooming the next generation with the knowledge and practical exposure they need to address future environmental challenges. The initiative recognises that today’s students will be tomorrow’s decision-makers and change agents in our collective journey towards sustainability.

The society has outlined several key targets:

Energy and Resource Efficiency  The society plans to enhance the school’s energy and resource efficiency through targeted interventions and modern solutions with the OBA providing the required technical expertise.

Knowledge Enhancement A comprehensive program will be launched to improve the knowledge, skills, and competency of both teachers and students regarding resource efficiency and sustainability practices.

Environmental Education  Focus will be on educating teachers and students on latest developments in climate change science, sustainability practices, and the concept of the triple planetary crisis encompassing climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

Carbon Neutrality   Aim to guide the school towards achieving carbon neutrality, positioning Nalanda College as a climate-smart educational institution that serves as a model for other schools to follow.

This pioneering approach positions Nalanda College not just as an educational institution, but as a forward-thinking leader in grooming environmentally responsible future generations, as it enters its second century of service to the nation.

The inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM) was convened recently, with attendees including Principal Mr. Iran Champika Silva, Assistant Principals Mrs. Deepthi Kulathunga and Mrs. Priyadarshani Godagama, Society Master Mrs. Maheshika Niriella, Executive President of the Old Boys’ Association (OBA) Mr. Mohan Gunadasa, OBA representatives, and students. The following students were elected to serve as officers of the society. President – Manul Lakvindu, Secretary – Senuth Perera, Treasurer – Janiru Jayathilaka, Vice President – Samya Denuka, Assistant Secretary – Matheesha Rathnaweera, Assistant Secretary – Chenitha Ekanayake, Assistant Treasurer – Tevin Gunasekara, Editor – Sasith Senula, Chief Organizer – Maleesha Wanigasinghe, Organizers – Sithupa Kodagoda, Nimeshka Prageeth, Sandaneth Lakthilina, Coordinators – Jayasanka Sadaruwan, Adithya Ranasinghe, Sathis Somaratne, Sumeth Jayasinghe