FEATURED NEWS

The Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL) commemorated the 104th Birth Anniversary of Eng. (Dr.) A. N. S. Kulasinghe on 26th October 2023. Eng. (Dr.) Kulasinghe is known not only for his contribution to engineering research and development but also for his lifetime commitment towards an unparalleled approach to engineering application for national development.

Prof. H. R. Pasindu, one of the esteemed professors in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Moratuwa, was invited by the Pavement Engineering Society, Singapore (https://pavement.org.sg/) to give a talk on “Incorporating Climate Change Impacts on Road Asset Management” at the 28th Singapore Symposium on Pavement Technology (SPT 2023), held on 03rd of October 2023, in Singapore. The symposium was organized by the Pavement Engineering Society (PES), Singapore and National University of Singapore Center for Transportation Research.

Civil Engineering Research Symposium (CERS) 2023, organized by the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa was held successfully on the 27th of September 2023 at the Civil Engineering Auditorium. The symposium showcased the latest and novel research activities undertaken by undergraduate and postgraduate students of the Department.

Nalintha Wijayaweera, an undergraduate student from the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, won the best oral presentation award at the recent international conference on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in Sri Lanka (DRRM 2023).

Chamal Jayaminda, a research scholar at the UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Center for South Asia Water Management (UMCSAWM) at the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, has won the best paper award in the Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering track at the Moratuwa Engineering Research Conference (MERCon) 2023.

In a momentous achievement, Professor Lalith Rajapakse, the Director/Centre Chairman of the UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Centre for South Asia Water Management (UMCSAWM), has been appointed as the UNESCO Chairholder for Sustainable Water Resources Management in South Asia. This distinguished honour comes under the prestigious UNITWIN (University Twinning and Networking) Program of UNESCO.

Department of Civil Engineering commenced its Intra-Laboratory Equipment Training program for non-academic staff of the department on 12th October 2023. The launch of this program marked its initial phase and was inaugurated in the presence of Prof. (Mrs.) Chintha Jayasinghe, the Head of the Department. This comprehensive program has spanned nearly all the laboratories within the department. Its primary objectives include the facilitation of knowledge exchange among technical officers and laboratory support staff, as well as the enhancement of awareness and familiarity with the laboratory facilities.

The "Skill Up with CES" lecture series is a transformative initiative aimed at providing valuable insights and knowledge to aspiring civil engineers, organized by the Civil Engineering Society (CES) of the University of Moratuwa. This series offers a platform for undergraduates to gain a deeper understanding of current issues, emerging technologies, engineering trends, and research work in the field of civil engineering. The goal is to assist students in shaping their future career paths within the industry.

Senior Professor Malik Ranasinghe retired after 33 years of service at the University of Moratuwa on 26th October 2023. Department of Civil Engineering organised a farewell ceremony, in which Prof. Ranasinghe also conducted a farewell lecture on “Uncertainty and Risks”. Head, Department of Civil Engineering, Deputy Vice Chancellor, other academic and non-academic staff members and invited guests appreciated the tremendous contribution of Prof. Malik Ranasinghe to the university and the department.

The awarding ceremony of the Literature Month Celebration Competitions held in September 2023 took place on October 27th at the Civil Engineering Department's premises. The Civil Staff Welfare Society organized this event, and it received substantial support from many individuals, contributing to its successful conclusion. Participating in these competitions were the children of academic, academic support, and non-academic staff members of the University of Moratuwa, as well as their relatives. A special talent competition was organized for primary grade children, while essay and drawing competitions were held for students in the junior, secondary, and senior sections.