FEATURED NEWS

Dr. Nalaka Jayantha from the Department of Civil Engineering embarked on a visit to the Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (SIIT), Thailand, spanning from 3rd August to 4th September 2026 as a follow-up activity of the MoU signed between SIIT and UoM. During his visit, Dr. Jayantha conducted a specialized lecture series and taught the course module “CES391: Special Topics in Civil Engineering” for undergraduate and graduate students. The module introduced students to cutting-edge advancements and practical paradigms in modern transportation infrastructure and sustainable pavement systems. As a highlight of his academic engagement, he delivered a special university-wide lecture titled: “From Demolition Waste to Durable Roads: Roller Compacted Concrete Pavements with Recycled Aggregates and Internal Curing”. The session, hosted at the SIIT Main Building, addressed the pressing global challenge of construction and demolition waste management alongside the growing scarcity of virgin aggregates. Dr. Jayantha also actively pursued opportunities for collaborative research degree programs between SIIT and UoM, exploring potential avenues for joint research grants in tandem with research groups from both institutions. SIIT expressed keen interest in extending collaboration with UoM staff for joint research supervision, co-supervision, external evaluation of postgraduate degrees, split postgraduate programs, undergraduate student exchange programs, and joint applications for research grants as a further continuation of ongoing and planned activities under the MoU.

Prof. H.R. Pasindu of the Transportation Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa, presented research on “Prioritization of Low-Volume Road Networks under Data Scarcity: Economic, Social and Hazard Criteria in Resource Allocation” at the Pavement Engineering Research Seminar 2026, held at the National University of Singapore (NUS). The research focuses on prioritizing maintenance interventions for low-volume road networks by considering road condition, socio-economic importance, and hazard-related factors, particularly in situations where comprehensive road asset data are unavailable. Such approaches are especially important for road agencies operating with limited technical and financial resources, where effective prioritization is essential to achieve the greatest benefit from available maintenance budgets.

Prof. H.R. Pasindu of the Transportation Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa, delivered a keynote speech at the 3rd Undergraduate Research Symposium, organized by the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Jaffna. In his keynote address, Prof. Pasindu highlighted the important role of transportation engineering within the broader field of civil engineering, while drawing attention to the diverse opportunities available in the discipline. The session introduced undergraduate students to potential research areas in transportation engineering and explored both local and global career opportunities available to transportation engineering professionals.

Prof. H.R. Pasindu of the Transportation Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa, delivered an invited talk on road asset management focusing on developing frameworks to optimize fund allocation for low volume road rehabilitation and prioritize post disaster road rehabilitation at the 31st Singapore Symposium on Pavement Technology, organized by the Pavement Engineering Society, Singapore on 21st August 2026.

The Department of Civil Engineering is pleased to announce the outstanding achievement of its undergraduate students U. Thulajah and G. R. R. Sandeepa, who have been awarded the Migara Ratnatunga Trust Award for Best Presentation in Industrial Training (Civil Engineering). The students were nominated by the department to represent the University of Moratuwa at the competition, which was held as part of the IESL Induction and Graduation Ceremony, organized by the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL).

The Department of Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa, successfully conducted the Residential Survey Camp 2026 for Civil Engineering Intake 22 from 21 to 28 June 2026 at the Kotmale International Training Institute for Irrigation and Water Management. The eight-day residential programme provided students with an invaluable opportunity to apply the surveying principles learned in the classroom to real engineering situations. Through a project-based learning approach, students worked collaboratively in teams to undertake field surveys, establish control networks, collect and process survey data, prepare maps, and solve practical surveying challenges using modern surveying instruments and techniques. As one of the key practical components of the Civil Engineering undergraduate curriculum, the survey camp is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and professional practice. The immersive learning environment enabled students to gain hands-on experience while developing essential competencies required of future civil engineers. Beyond technical training, the programme encouraged teamwork, leadership, communication, project planning, time management, and decision-making under field conditions. Throughout the camp, students were guided by academic staff, instructors, technical officers, and support staff who provided continuous supervision and technical expertise. Their dedication ensured that participants were able to complete the assigned surveying projects successfully while maintaining high standards of professionalism and safety. The Residential Survey Camp also fostered camaraderie among students, creating an environment where they could learn collaboratively, overcome practical challenges, and build lasting professional relationships. Such experiences play a vital role in preparing graduates for the multidisciplinary and demanding nature of the engineering profession. The Department of Civil Engineering extends its sincere appreciation to the management and staff of the Kotmale International Training Institute for Irrigation and Water Management for their excellent facilities and support throughout the programme. Appreciation is also extended to all academic, technical, and administrative staff whose commitment contributed significantly to the success of the camp. The successful completion of the Residential Survey Camp 2026 marks another important milestone in the Department's commitment to providing high-quality, practice-oriented engineering education. The knowledge, technical skills, and professional values gained during this programme will undoubtedly serve as a strong foundation for the students as they progress towards becoming competent and responsible civil engineers.

The Department of Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa, hosted the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL) - Washington Accord (WA) re-accreditation assessment of its Bachelor of the Science of Engineering (BSc. Eng.) Honours Degree Programme from 15–17 June 2026. The assessment was conducted as part of the 5th cycle of accreditation by an evaluation panel appointed by the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL) as part of the accreditation process for student intakes from 2026 to 2030, supporting the programme's continued alignment with the Washington Accord accreditation framework. During the three-day visit, the panel reviewed programme delivery documentation and assessment evidence, toured laboratories and learning facilities, and met with key stakeholders, including the university administration, academic and non-academic staff, students, alumni, employers, and industry representatives. The evaluation also considered curriculum delivery, assessment practices, industrial training, quality assurance processes, and the implementation of Outcome-Based Education, with particular emphasis on Learning Outcome–Programme Outcome (LO–PO) attainment. The Department of Civil Engineering looks forward to securing continued accreditation and sustaining the programme’s global recognition.

Prof. Udeni Nawagamuwa, Head of the Department of Civil Engineering, visited the United Kingdom from 2–9 May 2026 as a recipient of the University College London (UCL) Faculty of Mathematics and Physical Sciences (MAPS) Visiting Fellowship. During his visit, he was hosted by the Department of Risk and Disaster Reduction at University College London, where he delivered a guest lecture titled “Cyclone Ditwah: Exposing the Limits of Early Warning Systems”, participated in workshops on academic writing and research paper development, and engaged in technical discussions on landslide early warning systems, disaster risk reduction, and future collaborative research. He also visited the British Geological Survey (BGS), where he presented his research and exchanged knowledge with researchers on geo-hazard assessment, landslide risk management, disaster resilience, and geotechnical investigations. The visit fostered valuable academic collaboration, leading to plans for joint research publications, the development of international research proposals, and strengthened institutional partnerships in the fields of geo-hazards and disaster resilience.

Warmest congratulations to Prof. H.R. Pasindu on his appointment as President of CILT Sri Lanka for 2026/2027. This is a well-deserved recognition of your leadership and contributions to the field of transport and logistics. Wishing you a successful and impactful tenure ahead as you continue to drive excellence and innovation in the industry.