Level 3 undergraduates of the Department of Building Economics recently engaged in two educational site visits, aimed at bridging classroom theory with practical industry applications. These excursions, conducted in March and April 2025, provided students following Quantity Surveying and Facilities Management degree programs with valuable exposure to large-scale infrastructure and hospitality projects across Sri Lanka.
On the 23rd and 24th of March 2025, Facilities Management undergraduates participated in a two-day visit. Their itinerary included the Victoria Dam, where students explored the structural aspects of the dam, its role in hydroelectric energy production, and its contribution to the national power grid. A visit to the University of Peradeniya provided a cultural and academic enrichment component. The tour concluded with a session at Araliya Hotel, Nuwara Eliya, where students explored complex building services systems, including HVAC, energy and water management, fire safety, and guest comfort systems, offering them a clearer understanding of operational efficiency in the hospitality sector.
Following this, on the 3rd and 4th of April 2025, Quantity Surveying undergraduates participated in a site visit to three major water infrastructure projects: the Moragahakanda Hydro-electricity Power Plant, the Kalu Ganga Reservoir, and the Southern Portal of the Upper Elahera Canal Project. These visits provided critical insights into dam construction, water management systems, and hydropower generation. A key highlight was witnessing the use of state-of-the-art tunnel boring machines at the Upper Elahera Canal Project, home to South Asia’s longest irrigation tunnel, showcasing cutting-edge underground construction techniques.
These visits reflect the department’s ongoing commitment to industry-relevant, experiential learning, equipping students with practical insights into construction methodologies, project management, and engineering innovation essential to their future roles in the built environment.
