FEATURED NEWS

The Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Moratuwa successfully organized a field visit to the Central Expressway Project – Section 1 at Meerigama on 22nd August 2025 for the Semester 5 undergraduates following the module CE 4343 – Construction Technology. This initiative provided an excellent opportunity for students to complement their classroom learning with direct exposure to a large-scale national infrastructure project. The programme was designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of the scope and development of a national expressway, while enabling them to observe construction technologies, site safety practices, quality testing processes, and project management procedures in practice. Students also gained valuable insights into project coordination and documentation, which are essential components of expressway development. This practical exposure allowed them to connect theoretical concepts with the realities of the construction industry, reinforcing their learning through first-hand experience.

Professor H.R. Pasindu, one of the esteemed professors in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Moratuwa, has been appointed as a member of the Fuel Economy Standard Labeling Committee by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Sri Lanka.

Prof. Chinthaka Mallikarachchi, one of the esteemed professors in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Moratuwa, participated in the Emerging Spacecraft Structures Technology Summer Workshop at the University of Colorado Boulder, USA. This prestigious annual forum brings together leading international experts to explore breakthrough technologies and shape the future of spacecraft structures. Prof. Mallikarachchi’s continued service on the Spacecraft Structures Technical Committee of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) underscores his contributions to advancing global space research. His participation also enhances the University of Moratuwa’s visibility in the international aerospace community, strengthening its reputation as a hub for cutting-edge research and innovation.

Prof. H.R. Pasindu, one of the esteemed professors in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Moratuwa, was appointed as the President of the Asian Pavement Engineering Society during the Annual General Meeting held on the 15th August 2025. The Asian Pavement Engineering Society (Asian-PES) is a non-profit organization that promotes the exchange of ideas, information and cooperation among pavement professionals in the Asia Pacific region. The society was formed to promote the exchange of ideas, information and cooperation among pavement professionals in the Asia Pacific region.

Prof. H.R.Pasindu, one of the esteemed professors in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Moratuwa, presented papers on 'Evaluating high risk road segments using Sri Lanka Accident Data Management System' and 'Headway distribution analysis for Expressways in Sri Lanka' at the 14th Asia Pacific Conference on Transport and the Environment held in Huangzhou, China. This year’s conference was hosted by Tsinghua University. He also presented at the Transportation Chairs Forum on the postgraduate degree programs and research in Transportation Engineering at Civil Engineering Department - University of Moratuwa. As a council member, he also attended the Asian Society for Emerging Transport Council Meeting held during the conference. APTE conference is a key event in the region for transportation researchers and the 2014 conference was hosted by Transportation Engineering Group - University of Moratuwa.

Ms. Chamika Wanasinghe from the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa, has been awarded Second Place in the Vinoj Jayasundara Memorial Prize 2025 for Research Excellence. Her publication, titled “Multiscale Modelling and Explainable AI for Predicting Mechanical Properties of Carbon Fibre Woven Composites with Parametric Microscale and Mesoscale Configurations”, published in the journal Composite Structures, was recognised for its outstanding contribution to the fields of machine learning and lightweight composite materials. The study showcases innovative applications of artificial intelligence in advancing materials engineering, particularly in the analysis and design of carbon fibre composites. This research was carried out under the supervision of Dr. Sumudu Herath and Prof. Chinthaka Mallikarachchi.

The 18th Transport Research Forum and Transport Leaders Forum 2025, organized by the Transport Engineering Group, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa, was held on 3rd July at Water’s Edge, Colombo, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers to explore the future of Sri Lanka’s transport sector. The forum was graced by the Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, Prof. Kapila Perera, who delivered the keynote address. Prof. Perera emphasized the pressing need for sustainable and resilient transport systems, while also highlighting the government’s commitment to integrating advanced technologies and strengthening infrastructure to meet future challenges.

The inauguration ceremony of the M.Sc. in Geotechnical Engineering – 2024/25 was successfully held on 27th June 2025 at the Auditorium of the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa. The event marked the official commencement of the ninth intake of the postgraduate program, which continues to play a vital role in advancing geotechnical expertise in Sri Lanka. Dr. Asiri Karunawardana, Director General of the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO), graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The ceremony was also attended by Dr. Indrajith Nissanka, Director of Postgraduate Studies at the University of Moratuwa, and Prof. Udeni Nawagamuwa, Head of the Department of Civil Engineering, along with several academic and non-academic staff members. This year, 37 students from both industry and academia have enrolled in the program, underscoring its growing relevance and appeal among professionals and researchers alike. The M.Sc. in Geotechnical Engineering Program remains a strong platform for capacity building and research in soil mechanics, foundations, slope stability, and ground improvement. The Department of Civil Engineering extends its best wishes to the incoming cohort as they embark on this important academic journey.

The Survey Camp for the 21-Batch, organized by the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Moratuwa, was successfully conducted in two informative and engaging phases with the support of the both academic and non-academic staff of the department. This camp was designed to strengthen students’ theoretical knowledge and develop practical skills in surveying through structured academic sessions and real-world applications. Phase 1 was conducted at the department premises from June 16th to 20th, 2025. During this phase, students revisited core surveying concepts and developed hands-on proficiency with conventional surveying instruments and methods. The focus was on reinforcing fundamental techniques such as levelling, traversing, contouring, and setting out, allowing students to build confidence in using equipment like total stations and theodolites in a controlled academic environment. Phase 2 was conducted at the Kothmale International Training Institute of Irrigation and Water Management from June 24th to July 1st, 2025. Students were divided into twelve groups and assigned six different projects that simulated real-world engineering applications, including road alignment, community resettlement, township development, reservoir capacity enhancement, university development, and the cabana resort project. These projects required students to apply their classroom knowledge in the field, encouraging teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving in a practical setting.

Prof. H. R. Pasindu, one of the esteemed professors in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Moratuwa, has been appointed to two key national transport committees by the Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Aviation. The appointments include: - Road Development Consultative Council - Advisory Committee on the Implementation of the Metro Bus System These appointments recognize Professor Pasindu’s expertise in transportation engineering and his significant contributions to infrastructure development in Sri Lanka. The appointments include: - Road Development Consultative Council - Advisory Committee on the Implementation of the Metro Bus System These appointments recognize Professor Pasindu’s expertise in transportation engineering and his significant contributions to infrastructure development in Sri Lanka.