"Social Work Responses to Climate Change and other Environmental Issues"
28 th
Asia Pacific Conference
on
Social
Work
Organized by
Sri Lanka Association of Professional Social Workers (SLAPSW)
Collaboration with
National Institute of Social Development (NISD)
The Early Bird registration date has been extended to 30th June 2025
Do you want join Conference?
Participating in the APSWC 2025 offers numerous opportunities
- Networking with Professionals: Connect with social work practitioners, academics, and advocates from across the Asia-Pacific region, building a network of contacts and collaborators.
- Learning and Development: Gain insights from leading experts on innovative approaches and best practices in addressing climate change and environmental issues within the field of social work.
- Skill Enhancement: Participate in workshops and panel discussions that provide practical skills and knowledge, enhancing your ability to integrate environmental concerns into social work practice.
- Global Perspectives: Explore diverse perspectives and strategies from various countries, enriching your understanding of global challenges and solutions in social work.
- Contributing to the Field: Share your experiences and research, contributing to the broader conversation on the role of social work in addressing environmental and climate challenges.
- Professional Recognition: Presenting at the conference can enhance your professional profile and provide recognition for your work in the field.
- Cultural Exchange: Experience the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka and engage in cross-cultural exchanges with peers from different backgrounds.
- Inspiration and Innovation: Be inspired by new ideas and innovative solutions that can be applied in your practice or organization.
Messages
Message from the President, Sri Lanka Association of Professional Social Workers (SLAPSW)
M.T.R.Shamini Attanayake
Dear Colleagues, On behalf of the Sri Lanka Association of Professional Social Workers (SLAPSW), it is my immense pleasure to invite you to the IFSW-AP & APASWE Regional Conference on “Social Work Response to Climate Change & Other Environmental Issues”, scheduled to be held on November 18th – 21st, 2025, in Sri Lanka...
Keynote
IFSW - AP & APASWE Keynote Speaker
Prof. Manohar Pawar
I am delighted to be the keynote speaker at the IFSW-AP & APASWE Regional Conference on “Social Work Response to Climate Change & Other Environmental Issues” to be held on November 18th – 21st, 2025, in Sri Lanka...
Message from the President
M.T.R.Shamini Attanayake
Dear Colleagues,
On behalf of the Sri Lanka Association of Professional Social Workers (SLAPSW), it is my immense pleasure to invite you to the IFSW-AP & APASWE Regional Conference on “Social Work Response to Climate Change & Other Environmental Issues”, scheduled to be held on November 18th – 21st, 2025, in Sri Lanka.
This prestigious event will bring together social work professionals, academics, researchers, and practitioners from the Asia-Pacific region and beyond to engage in critical dialogue, share innovative practices, and strengthen our collective capacity to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time – climate change and environmental sustainability.
As a deeply connected to natural heritage, Sri Lanka is an ideal location for this conversation. With its breathtaking biodiversity and vibrant communities, Sri Lanka stands as both a beacon of resilience and a reminder of the urgent need for sustainable action.
The conference theme, “Social Work Response to Climate Change & Other Environmental Issues”, will provide a platform to explore how social work can contribute to climate adaptation, environmental justice, and the empowerment of vulnerable communities affected by environmental changes. Through a rich program of keynote speeches, workshops, and networking opportunities, participants will share knowledge, discuss practical solutions, and drive meaningful change.
I warmly encourage you to join us in this transformational journey. Together, we can amplify the voice of social work in creating a sustainable future for the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. Let us look forward to hosting you in Sri Lanka and sharing in critical endeavor to address environmental challenges through the lens of our professional identity.
Yours in professional solidarity,
M.T.R.Shamini Attanayake
President, Sri Lanka Association of Professional Social Workers (SLAPSW)
Massage from IFSW - AP & APASWE Keynote Speaker
Prof. Manohar Pawar
I am delighted to be the keynote speaker at the IFSW-AP & APASWE Regional Conference on “Social Work Response to Climate Change & Other Environmental Issues” to be held on November 18th – 21st, 2025, in Sri Lanka.
Profile
Manohar Pawar, BA, MASW, and PhD, is Professor of Social Work at the School of Social Work and Arts, Charles Sturt University (New South Wales, Australia). He has made distinguished contributions to the field of international social work and social development. His books are translated to Chinese, Hindi, Korean, and Indonesian languages and used in social work education, research, and practice internationally. He is the lead Chief Investigator of ARC Discovery research project on “Virtuous Practitioner”. He is also Editor of Springer Series in Social Work and Social Development.
Before joining Charles Sturt University, he worked at the La Trobe University, Bendigo, Victoria, and as an Associate Professor at the School of Social Work, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, India. He has also worked with International Social Service and Save the Children. Prof. Pawar is recipient of the 2019 Citation award by the Australian Learning and Teaching Council for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning 2008, and Quality of Life Award 2001 from the Association of Commonwealth Universities.
Prof. Pawar’s research follows a mixed approach – combining quantitative and qualitative methods – including integrating teaching social work research. He has developed significant insight and knowledge on issues related to social work and social development education, practice, and research in the Asia-Pacific region. Prof. Pawar has published extensively on social work education, practice, history of social work, international social work, development, NGOs, and social policy.
Prof. Pawar has been an invited speaker at many international professional conferences/seminars/workshops organized by university/academic institutions/bodies in Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Nepal, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, and US.
| Association | Name | position | |
| 1 | SLAPSW | Mr. Amarawansa Ranaweera | SLAPSW Consultant |
| 2 | Dr. Anula Rathnayake | Senior Lecturer in Social Work, Department of Psychiatric, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo | |
| 3 | Dr. Chulani Herath | Senior Lecturer, Department of Social Sciences, Open University | |
| 4 | Prof. Kumarie Thoradeniya | Head Department of Sociology, University of Peradeniya | |
| 5 | Dr.Lakshika Liyanage | Dean, Faculty of Management, Social Sciences & Humanities, University of Defense | |
| 6 | Dr.Leel Randeniya | Director (Climate Change ),Ministry of environment | |
| 7 | Dr. Raveendre Vithanachchi | Director General, National Institute of Social Development | |
| 8 | Dr. S. Jeevasuthan | Department of Sociology, University of Jaffna | |
| 9 | Emeritus Professor Saroj Jayasinghe |
Former Chair Professor of Medicine Department of Clinical Medicine Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. |
|
| 10 | Mrs. Shamini Attanayake | SLAPSW President | |
| 11 | Prof. Siri Hettige | Emeritus Professor of Sociology, University of Colombo | |
| 12 | Prof. Subhanghi M.K.Herath | Department of Sociology, University of Colombo | |
| 13 | Dr. U.L.M. Ashker | Lecturer, School of Social Work, National Institute of Social Development | |
| 14 | APASWE | Adi Fahrudin | |
| 15 | Dr.David Rose | APASWE President | |
| 16 | Dr.Mohd Haizzan Yahaya | ||
| 17 | IFSW AP |
Dr. Ahraemi KIM | |
| 18 | Hamed OLAMAEE | ||
| 19 | Natsuko MINAMINO | Professor, Toyo University | |
| 20 | Peter Li Zhaojie | ||
| IFSW-AP | Yoko McLennan | President’s Secretary |
Colombo City
Colombo, Sri Lanka’s bustling capital, is a captivating fusion of modernity and colonial charm, offering vibrant markets, stunning coastal views, and a rich cultural tapestry.
The Colombo Lotus Tower
The Colombo Lotus Tower, standing proudly in the heart of Colombo, is South Asia’s tallest self-supported structure and Sri Lanka’s tallest skyscraper, reaching an impressive height of 356 meters (1168 feet). Designed to resemble a lotus blossom, a symbol of purity and renewal, this iconic structure reflects the blend of tradition and modernity in Sri Lanka. With construction initiated in 2012, the tower was meticulously crafted over a decade and opened to the public on 15th September 2022, marking a new chapter in Sri Lanka’s architectural and technological advancement.
Find out more arrow_right_alt
Gangaramaya Temple
Gangaramaya Temple, located in Colombo, is one of Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist temples, known for its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere. The temple features a vast collection of Buddha statues, intricate carvings, and a museum housing artifacts of cultural and religious significance. It serves as a spiritual haven amidst the bustling city, attracting both locals and tourists seeking peace and reflection.
Find out more arrow_right_alt
Colombo National Museum
This museum of Asian civilizations is one of the oldest in Sri Lanka
Find out more arrow_right_alt
Independence Square
Independence Square in Colombo is one of those remarkable sites that perfectly
encapsulates Sri Lanka’s rich history and cultural heritage. As a guide, I always find
it a privilege to introduce visitors to this significant landmark, which celebrates the
nation’s hard-won freedom from British colonial rule.
The square itself is a stunning example of traditional Sri Lankan architecture, with the
Independence Memorial Hall standing as a grand testament to the country’s journey to
independence. The hall’s majestic columns and detailed design are not just visually
impressive, but they also serve as a powerful symbol of national pride.
The Grand Mosque of Colombo
The Grand Mosque of Colombo, with its stunning architecture and serene ambiance, stands
as a beacon of Islamic faith and heritage in the heart of the city.
Viharamahadevi Park
Here you will find the big golden Buddha statue surrounded by palms and trees.
Find out more arrow_right_alt
Galle Face Green
The seaward esplanade of the Galle Face Green is located in the commercial hub of
Colombo. Flanked at each end by star-class hotels, the Galle Face Green has come to be a
fondly known landmark of Colombo.
The much famed Galle Face Green is in fact a large grassy ground overlooking the ocean.
It has become customary for locals to gather at the ground with families for picnics.
Furthermore, the Green is also popularly transformed into an open-air theatre for
concerts on special occasions and festive celebrations.
Aside from the virtue of its location, it is also adorned by a line of food vendors who
have been making trade there for generations. A delectable array of cuisine is served
along the walkway that runs with the green on one end and the Indian sea on the other.
Scared of Tooth Relic Temple – Kandy City
The Sacred Tooth Relic Temple in Kandy, a revered sanctuary, houses a sacred tooth of
the
Lord Buddha, encapsulating the spiritual essence of Sri Lanka amidst its serene and
historic
Sigirya
Sigiriya, the ancient rock fortress in Sri Lanka, majestically rises from the lush jungle, embodying both historical grandeur and natural beauty.
Find out more arrow_right_alt
The Early Bird registration date has been extended to
30th June 2025
Travel Desk!
If you need any assistance with
accommodation & transport arrangements, send an email to
contact@travelmyasia.com or
Whatsapp
+94
72 593 5559.
Start Booking Now!
