FEATURED NEWS

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.

The Geotechnical Engineering Division at the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa, successfully completed a training program on the Testing of Engineering Properties of Soil during July and August, 2024. The program involved the participation of geotechnical engineers and technical officers from the Northern and Eastern Provincial Councils under the Irrigation Department of Sri Lanka. Structured as a four-day course, the training provided participants with a thorough understanding of soil engineering properties and their practical applications. It featured a combination of lectures and hands-on laboratory soil testing, enabling participants to gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in soil testing and data analysis. These competencies are crucial for developing a solid foundation in soil mechanics, which will benefit them in their professional careers.

On the 31st of May 2024, the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Moratuwa bid farewell to one of its esteemed Senior Lecturers, Dr. (Mrs.) Premini Hettiarachchi, who retired after a commendable and dedicated service. An alumnus of the University of Moratuwa with a First-Class Honours degree in Civil Engineering having been jointly awarded the A.N.S. Kulasinghe Award for the Best Civil Engineering Graduate, Dr. (Mrs.) Hettiarachchi counts over forty years of uninterrupted service to the University in the fields of teaching, research, administration and consultancy. Dr. (Mrs.) Hettiarachchi is responsible for introducing the latest revisions to Codes of Practice, including the Eurocode Recommendations in Timber and Steel, to the Undergraduate and Postgraduate Curricula at the University of Moratuwa.

Department of Civil Engineering (DoCE) is pleased to announce that as of the 15th June 2024, Senior Professor Jagath Manatunge is now the Head of the Department of Civil Engineering. Professor Jagath Manatunge is an accomplished academic with an international reputation as a leading Sri Lankan scholar whose research provides considerable insight into the area of Environmental Engineering, with a specific focus on water pollution control, restoration and management of surface water bodies, and topics related to water technology. We congratulate Professor Jagath on the new appointment and look forward to a bright future with him at the DoCE. At the same time, we would like to take this opportunity to thank and acknowledge our outgoing Head of the Department, Senior Professor (Mrs.) Chintha Jayasinghe. Professor (Mrs.) Chintha Jayasinghe was the Head of the Department for nearly three years, offering exceptional leadership, support, and guidance to both students and staff, helping them achieve greater heights.