FEATURED NEWS

Prof. M.T.R Jayasinghe and Prof. (Mrs.) Chintha Jayasinghe of the Department of Civil Engineering visited the Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (SIIT), Thailand from 1st October to 1st November 2024 under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with University of Moratuwa (UoM) in 2019. During their visit, Prof. M.T.R Jayasinghe and Prof. (Mrs.) Chintha Jayasinghe delivered lectures on “Design of Tall Buildings” and “Energy efficient construction materials and Green material rating system” to the undergraduate and postgraduate students of the SIIT and sought opportunities for joint research degree programmes with SIIT and UoM. In addition to the above, the opportunities for applying for joint research grants in different areas of Civil Engineering were also explored.

Department of Civil Engineering is proud to announce that as of the 29th October 2024, Senior Professor Jagath Manatunge, one of our esteemed senior professors, has been appointed as the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Moratuwa. Known for his exceptional academic and research contributions, Professor Manatunge brings both experience and vision to this role, leading the faculty toward new achievements in engineering education and research. We extend our warm congratulations and look forward to the impactful advancements he will inspire within our university community.

Civil Engineering Research Symposium (CERS) 2024, organized by the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa, was held successfully on the 26th of September 2024 at the Civil Engineering Auditorium. The symposium showcased the latest and novel research activities undertaken by undergraduate and postgraduate students of the Department. The symposium is dedicated specifically to two esteemed retiring Senior Academics: Prof. Saman Bandara and Dr. (Mrs.) Premini Hettiarachchi, in recognition of their valuable contributions to the Civil Engineering Department. The symposium proceedings produced as a book of abstracts were published, which comprised the findings of the latest undergraduate research projects. The research showcased the advances in Structural Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Hydraulic Engineering, Construction Management, Environmental Engineering, and Transportation Engineering. A selected set of abstracts were presented by students at the symposium. Download the Proceedings: https://uom.lk/civil/cers2024 A 3-Minute Thesis (3-MT) Challenge for postgraduate students was also organized in parallel, demonstrating their latest research achievements in a creative manner. The winners of the competition were announced at the symposium, and they were awarded certificates.

The Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Moratuwa recently conducted another successful training program focused on assessing the engineering properties of soil, held in October 2024. This initiative welcomed technical officers from the Road Development Authority in the Wayamba region, enhancing their skills in geotechnical engineering. Spanning four days, the workshop combined informative lectures with practical laboratory sessions on soil and rock testing. Participants engaged in hands-on activities, allowing them to deepen their understanding of soil mechanics and data interpretation. This training equips them with essential skills that will positively impact their future work in the field of civil engineering.

The annual cricket tournament of the Department of Civil Engineering, "Civil Cric Fiesta - 2024" was held on the 12th of September 2024 from 08.00 am onwards at the university playground. This event was organized by the Civil Engineering Society (CES) of University of Moratuwa, providing an excellent opportunity for the academic/non-academic staff and students of the Department of Civil Engineering to have a break from the daily routine tasks, re-energize and enjoy themselves. The event was inaugurated with the participation of the students and the academic staff, including Prof. Jagath Manatunge (Head of the Department), Dr. Pasindu Weerasinghe (Senior Treasurer of CES) and Dr. Sampath Hewage (Staff Advisor of CES). The champions and winners of the tournament were comprised of teams from the 20th batch. The event concluded with a memorable award ceremony, leaving everyone with a heart full of cherished memories.

On 30th September 2024, the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Moratuwa bid farewell to Prof. Saman Bandara, one of its esteemed Senior Professors, who retired after over four decades of dedicated service. Prof. Bandara, a luminary in civil and transportation engineering, has left an indelible mark on both academia and the transportation industry. Prof. Bandara, an alumnus of the University of Moratuwa with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering (1982), furthered his education with a PhD in Transportation Engineering from the University of Calgary (1989). His career at the University of Moratuwa has been marked by numerous significant contributions, particularly in the Department of Civil Engineering, where he served as Head from 2016 to 2019. Additionally, he was the founding Head of the Department of Transport and Logistics Management from 2005 to 2008, and he played a crucial role as the Director of Undergraduate Studies at the Faculty of Engineering from 2001 to 2004.

Prof. H. R. Pasindu, one of the esteemed professors in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Moratuwa, has been appointed to the "High-level Committee to Provide Directions to Address Road Safety Challenges in Sri Lanka" by the Secretary to the President. The final report of the road safety action plan prepared by the committee was handed over to Mr. Saman Ekanayake, Secretary to the President on the 29th August 2024.

On 7th August 2024, an honouring photograph of the former Head of the Department of Civil Engineering, Prof. (Mrs.) Chintha Jayasinghe, was ceremoniously unveiled at the Department Board Room. The event was graced by both academic and non-academic staff, marking a moment of respect and appreciation for her remarkable contributions. During the ceremony, the current Head of the Department, Prof. Jagath Manathunge, expressed his profound gratitude for the outstanding leadership and dedicated service that Prof. (Mrs.) Jayasinghe had rendered to the department, shaping its progress and growth over the years.

The prestigious Thomas Howard Medal at the ICE Publishing Awards 2024 has been awarded to a team of researchers for their groundbreaking paper titled "Improving the Lateral Load Resistance of Vernacular Masonry Walls Subject to Flooding". The journal paper was co-authored by Prof. (Mrs). Chintha Jayasinghe, Prof. Thishan Jayasinghe, Dr Indunil Erandi and Eng. Gihan Ranasinghe from the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa, alongside Dr. Shawn Platt, Dr. Daniel Maskell and Prof. Peter Walker from the Building Research Establishment Ltd. (BRE) Centre for Innovative Construction Materials, University of Bath, United Kingdom. The research focuses on developing affordable strategies to enhance the resilience of low-rise masonry structures in Sri Lanka, particularly in flood-prone areas. The findings of the study are expected to provide direct welfare benefits to communities by reducing the risk of structural collapse during extreme flooding events, allowing residents to remain safely in their homes.

The Survey Camp for the 20-Batch, conducted by the Department of Civil Engineering, was successfully carried out in two phases with the support of the both academic and non-academic staff of the department. Phase 1 was conducted at the department premises from July 23rd to 26th, 2024, to refresh the existing knowledge of students, while assessing their proficiency with surveying instruments and methodologies. During this period, students were not only engaged in recalling theories, but were also introduced to advanced surveying technologies such as Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) surveying and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), through specialized sessions led by industry professionals.