International conference highlights circular economy pathways for sustainable future

Sri Lanka Association of Printers President Eng. Janaka Rathnakumara addresses the forum

The second International Conference on Circular Economy and Sustainable Ecosystem (IC2ESE 2025) was successfully held recently at the Open University of Sri Lanka, Nugegoda.

Organised by the Department of Mechanical Engineering, the international conference brought together academics, industry professionals, policymakers, and researchers from Sri Lanka and overseas to discuss transformative circular solutions for a regenerative and resilient world.

The conference was conducted in close alignment with the MSc in Energy for Circular Economy, an international-level master’s program recognised as one of the most in-demand postgraduate programs in South Asia, particularly in Sri Lanka. The program plays a vital role in developing skilled professionals in energy transition, sustainability, and circular economy practices while strengthening the link between academic research and real-world application.

A key objective of the conference was to create a strong academic pathway for students to publish their research findings. IC2ESE 2025 provided undergraduate and postgraduate students, especially those enrolled in the MSc in Energy for Circular Economy, with a valuable opportunity to present and publish peer-reviewed research papers in the official conference proceedings. This initiative supports research-based learning, enhances international exposure, and encourages young researchers to contribute meaningfully to national and global sustainability goals.

Addressing the opening session, Open University of Sri Lanka Vice Chancellor Snr. Professor P.M.C. Thilakarathne emphasised the urgent need to move beyond traditional linear development models in response to escalating climate risks and environmental challenges. The conference agenda included the official launch of the conference proceedings and parallel technical sessions covering material circularity, energy technologies, sustainable transport, corporate innovation, and education.

The conference featured four keynote addresses by distinguished local and international experts. Prof. Jeevan Jayasuriya from KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden, highlighted the role of education in shaping responsible citizens for a circular future. Prof. Annukka Santasalo-Aarnio from Aalto University, Finland, focused on circular economy approaches for energy technologies and material recovery. Prof. Cristina Efremov discussed policy alignment and leadership required to bring circular economy transitions to life across industries.

A key highlight of IC2ESE 2025 was the keynote address delivered by senior corporate leader of the Wijeya Newspapers Ltd., Group and Sri Lanka Association of Printers President Eng. Janaka Rathnakumara. His keynote, titled “From Linear to Circular: Advancing Sri Lanka’s Manufacturing Toward a Greener Future,” underscored the urgent need for Sri Lanka’s manufacturing sector to transition from the traditional “take–make–dispose” model to circular production systems.

He emphasised that circular manufacturing—through improved design, resource efficiency, product life extension, and material recovery—can enhance industrial competitiveness, reduce waste and emissions, and support Sri Lanka’s Nationally Determined Contributions and Sustainable Development Goals. Highlighting the importance of policy support, business leadership, finance mechanisms, and cross-sector collaboration, he called for collective action to accelerate Sri Lanka’s journey toward a low-carbon, resilient, and regenerative industrial economy.