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.
In recognition of his expertise and leadership, Prof. Bandara was appointed as the Director of the Center for Intelligent Transport Systems in 2017. His tenure as Chairman of the Road Development Authority of Sri Lanka in 2015 further exemplifies his dedication to improving national infrastructure.
Beyond his academic and administrative roles, Prof. Bandara has been a prominent figure in various professional and governmental bodies. He has served as President of the Highway Engineering Society of Sri Lanka, President of the Sri Lanka Evaluation Association, and a board member of the Asia-Pacific Evaluation Association. His contributions to the development of national transport policies and his advisory roles in numerous committees have significantly influenced transportation and logistics in Sri Lanka.
Prof. Bandara's contributions to academia and national infrastructure have left an indelible mark, inspiring future engineers. The Department of Civil Engineering and the entire University of Moratuwa community extend their heartfelt gratitude to Prof. Saman Bandara for his outstanding service and best wishes to Prof. Saman Bandara on his retirement.
