Malintha Fernando, a final-year student in the Quantity Surveying Degree Programme at the Department of Building Economics, has been recognised with the prestigious ‘Robin Jones Award’ for the year 2024. Recognised for his commitment to promoting ‘Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)’ within civil engineering surveying, Malintha has demonstrated the values that this international award, given by the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES), seeks to spotlight. Winning the category of "Outstanding Student/Trainee/Apprentice who has demonstrated a commitment to improving EDI," he stands out as an individual dedicated to strengthening EDI principles worldwide. He was recognised with this award at the esteemed CICES Institution Dinner held on 20th September 2024, at Kings College, Cambridge. Malintha’s contribution to the industry during his undergraduate internship, his work and insights, and the published conference proceeding under the supervision of Prof. (Mrs) Udayangani Kulatunge were instrumental in earning him a place on the award shortlist. Following an interview with the CICES president and other key representatives, Malintha emerged as the winner, felicitating his contributions to the industry. The Robin Jones Awards, named after the revered former CICES president, carry forward Jones’ legacy of empowering early-career professionals. This initiative supports individuals dedicated to the three core themes of CICES' 30-year strategy: equity, diversity, and inclusion; sustainability and climate change; and embracing digital transformation. Thus, annually, CICES awards outstanding individuals in recognition of their former president.
