The 18th Transport Research Forum and Transport Leaders Forum 2025, organized by the Transport Engineering Group, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa, was held on 3rd July at Water’s Edge, Colombo, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers to explore the future of Sri Lanka’s transport sector.
The forum was graced by the Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, Prof. Kapila Perera, who delivered the keynote address. Prof. Perera emphasized the pressing need for sustainable and resilient transport systems, while also highlighting the government’s commitment to integrating advanced technologies and strengthening infrastructure to meet future challenges.
The forum also featured expert discussions on key areas such as road safety and traffic management, sustainable mobility, digital innovation, healthcare integration, insurance, and the role of private sector partnerships, highlighting the importance of collaboration between government, academia, and industry in shaping smarter transport solutions. Adding depth and diverse perspectives to the discussions, the Transport Leaders Forum featured an eminent lineup of professionals.
In addition to the Leaders Forum, the event also hosted a Research Presentation Session and a Poster Presentation Session, where researchers from universities and industry presented their latest studies. These sessions covered a wide range of topics, including transport safety, traffic management, intelligent transport systems, infrastructure resilience, sustainable mobility, and highway construction and materials. The presentations provided valuable insights and showcased the role of research in shaping evidence-based policy and practical solutions for Sri Lanka’s evolving transport landscape.
The success of this conference was made possible through the dedicated efforts of the Conference Chair, Prof. H.R. Pasindu, and Conference Secretary, Dr. Varuna Adikariwattage. And a special thanks goes to Dr. Chamod Hettiarachchi and Dr. Nalaka Jayantha from the Transportation Engineering Division for their support in the success of this event. A special note of appreciation is extended to all speakers, participants, and partners who contributed to the success of this year’s TRF and Leaders Forum. Together, we continue to drive forward the vision of a resilient and future-ready transport sector for Sri Lanka.
