FEATURED NEWS

Prof. H. R. Pasindu, one of the esteemed professors in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Moratuwa, was appointed as a member of the International Education Standards Committee (IESC) of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport. IESC is a committee of the International Management Committee with delegated powers. It is an important body in the Institute being the forum that maintains and develops the content and structure of the Body of Knowledge that forms the basis of our professional status and the suite of professional qualifications across the Institute.

Dr P.L.N. Fernando of the Department of Civil Engineering spent three months at the end of 2024 at the Institute of Structural Mechanics (ISM), Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, Germany under the DAAD Funding Programme: Research Stays for University Academics and Scientists, 2024. He was involved in an industry funded project related to the Dynamic Response of Metaconcrete with Core-Coated Inclusions, which aligned with his research interest in the dynamic loading on structures. Further, during this visit he delivered a guest lecture titled “Shaken but not broken: Engineering for Blast and Impact Resilience” and had the opportunity to initiate several potential collaborative research projects in mutual areas of interest.

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.