Applications deadline for ‘Presidential Environment Awards – 2026’ extended to May 15

Colombo, April 23 (Daily Mirror) - The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has announced an extension of the application deadline for the “Presidential Environment Awards – 2026” programme until May 15, 2026, following requests from prospective applicants.

The awards scheme invites applications under three main categories: Industry Sector, Project Sector, and Institutions, Media, and Social Sector.

The Industry Sector is divided into “Large Scale” and “Small & Medium Scale” sub-sectors. Under the large-scale category, applicants can submit entries across 16 fields, including waste management and recycling, chemical industries, vehicle servicing centres, food and beverage manufacturing, hotels, textile processing, pharmaceuticals, hospitals, rubber-based manufacturing, animal farms, apparel, tea processing, packaging with printing, mineral-related industries, timber and wood manufacturing, and metal and machinery-related industries. The small and medium-scale sub-sector includes 14 categories, excluding hospitals and packaging industries with printing.

The Project Sector comprises renewable energy initiatives, including mini hydro, solar power (excluding rooftop installations), and wind power projects.

Meanwhile, the Institutions, Media, and Social Sector covers eight sub-sectors, including schools, government and private institutions, local authorities engaged in solid waste management, police environmental units, non-governmental organisations, and environment-friendly innovations. The media category is divided into mass media and social media, with subcategories for individuals, institutions, Facebook pages, and YouTube channels.

The CEA stated that applications and further details can be obtained via its official website or through designated contact numbers. Evaluations will be carried out by expert panels, with decisions deemed final.

Winners will be awarded Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Merit Environment Awards. Notably, the trophies are designed using recycled aluminium, reflecting the programme’s sustainability focus.

The awards ceremony is scheduled for October 2026 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) under the patronage of the President, and will align with the government’s policy theme, “A Thriving Nation, A Beautiful Life.”