A two-day training workshop on the Application of the Hydrologic Engineering Centre's Hydrologic Modelling System (HEC-HMS) for Watershed Modelling was held on January 23-24, 2025, at the UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Centre for South Asia Water Management (UMCSAWM), Department of Civil Engineering. The workshop brought together over 50 water professionals from esteemed organisations such as the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka (MASL), Water Management Secretariat (WMS), Ministry of Irrigation, Irrigation Department, National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB), Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau (CECB), Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands, and Irrigation, and the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).
Organized under the Integrated Watershed & Water Resources Management Project (IWWRMP) of MASL and funded by the World Bank, the event provided participants with an in-depth understanding of basin rainfall-runoff modelling procedures. Participants also gained hands-on experience in hydrological simulations, enhancing their skills for effective water resources planning and disaster management. The two-day workshop was expertly conducted by the dedicated staff of UMCSAWM and the Civil Engineering Department at the University of Moratuwa. Through hands-on training, expert-led sessions, and insightful discussions, attendees learned advanced hydrological modelling techniques and watershed analysis that are crucial for sustainable water management.
This initiative aimed to strengthen industry collaborations and the capacity of engineers and water professionals, equipping them with practical skills and knowledge to address pressing challenges in water resources management. The skills acquired during the workshop will contribute significantly to the sustainable development of Sri Lanka, particularly in the areas of water resources planning and disaster management. Advancing hydrology for a resilient future, UMCSAWM continues to play a pivotal role in capacity building for water management professionals in Sri Lanka and beyond.
