As part of the International Conference on Environmental Health and Resilience (ICEHR 2026), a special thematic session titled “Exploration of Nature” was successfully held on 10 February 2026 at the Palmyrah Research Institute of the Palmyrah Development Board, Jaffna, under the guidance and with the participation of the Palmyrah Development Board Chairman, Mr. R. Raveenthiran.
The session brought together academics, researchers, and environmental enthusiasts from Sri Lanka and India to exchange knowledge on environmental sustainability, natural resource conservation, and resilience through nature-based approaches.
The programme commenced at 9.30 a.m. with the Welcome Address delivered by Dr. B. S. Benila, Promotion Convenor from Scott Christian College (Autonomous), India. This was followed by the Felicitation by Dr. A. Dhayal Raj, Steering Committee Member from Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), India.
The Keynote Address at 10.00 a.m. was delivered by Mr. S. Srivijeindran, Deputy General Manager of the Palmyrah Research Institute, Jaffna, who highlighted the importance of integrating traditional knowledge, biodiversity, and sustainable development practices in environmental research, with special reference to the palmyrah ecosystem of Northern Sri Lanka.
A Paper Presentation Session was conducted through virtual interaction at 10.30 a.m., allowing international participants to share research findings and innovative perspectives on environmental resilience.
Following the lunch break, the afternoon session resumed at 1.30 p.m. with an Online Keynote Address by Dr. M. Chithirajpon Selvan, John Curtin Distinguished Professor and Director of Research, Head of School – Science and Engineering, Curtin University, Dubai. His address focused on global environmental challenges and the role of research-driven innovation in strengthening ecological resilience.
The event concluded with the Vote of Thanks delivered online by Dr. Y. Premila Rachelin, Steering Committee Member from Scott Christian College (Autonomous), India.
ICEHR 2026 is organised by Scott Christian College (Autonomous), India, and the University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka, in collaboration with Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, India, Sacred Heart College, India, and Azentra Global, India.
This session at the Palmyrah Research Institute underscored the growing importance of cross-border academic collaboration and reinforced the role of Sri Lanka’s northern region as a hub for environmental research and sustainable development initiatives.
