The Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Moratuwa recently took another significant step toward strengthening the quality and global recognition of its undergraduate programme by focusing on outcome-based education and accreditation practices.
On 29 January 2026, the Civil Engineering Department Accreditation and Compliance Committee invited Prof. J.P. Karunadasa to deliver a special lecture on “Guidelines for Evaluating LO–PO Attainment” to the academic staff. The session, held in the Civil Engineering Department Auditorium, emphasized systematic approaches to measuring how well students achieve intended learning outcomes (LOs) and programme outcomes (POs), key requirements in modern engineering education.
Prof. Karunadasa highlighted that POs represent the essential competencies that engineering graduates must possess, including problem-solving, design skills, ethical practice, teamwork, and lifelong learning. Since direct measurement of such competencies is often challenging, he explained that internationally accepted indirect methods are used. These rely on well-structured LOs at the course level, careful mapping between LOs and POs, and robust assessment strategies.
A key message of the session was the importance of aligning teaching, assessment, and evaluation. Each module must define clear, measurable LOs, which are then systematically linked to broader POs. The attainment of these outcomes is assessed through continuous assessments, laboratory work, and examinations, ensuring that every component contributes meaningfully to student learning.
Prof. Karunadasa also stressed the role of continuous quality improvement. By analyzing student performance in relation to specific learning outcomes, academic staff can identify gaps, implement corrective actions, and demonstrate measurable improvements over time, an essential requirement for accreditation.
This session forms part of the department’s ongoing efforts to align with the standards of the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL) and the Washington Accord, an international agreement that recognizes the substantial equivalence of engineering degree programme. Achieving and maintaining such accreditation ensures that graduates of the University of Moratuwa remain globally competitive and professionally competent.
The initiative reflects the department’s strong commitment to academic excellence, accountability, and the continuous enhancement of engineering education in Sri Lanka.
