The University of Moratuwa proudly hosted the inaugural Dr. L. H. Sumanadasa Biennial Memorial Lecture on Friday, 24th October 2025, at the Rupert Peiris Auditorium. The lecture commemorated the life and legacy of Dr. L. H. Sumanadasa, the founding father of the University of Moratuwa and a trailblazer of technical education in Sri Lanka.
The event was organized under the guidance of Vice-Chancellor Prof. N. D. Gunawardena and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof. D. P. Chandrasekara, and coordinated by Dr. G. V. I. Samaradivakara, Director for International Relations, who was specially appointed by the Vice-Chancellor to lead the programme. The lecture was jointly supported by the Institutional Affairs Division and the External Affairs, Publicity & International Student Promotion Division, with wide participation from staff, students, and alumni.
Dr. L. H. Sumanadasa, born in 1910 in Ambalangoda, was Sri Lanka’s first aeronautical engineer and pilot, a scholar of Imperial College London, and the founding Principal of the Institute of Practical Technology. He later became the first President of the Katubedda Campus of the University of Ceylon, which evolved into today’s University of Moratuwa. His lifelong commitment to technical education and institutional development transformed the nation’s engineering landscape. The Sumanadasa Building on campus remains a lasting symbol of his vision.
The evening began with the National Anthem and an emotional video tribute to Dr. L. H. Sumanadasa, whose pioneering career from aeronautical engineering in London to establishing the Institute of Practical Technology (IPT) was recounted through rare photographs and narration.
Delivering the welcome address, Dr. G. V. I. Samaradivakara warmly acknowledged the presence of the donor, Eng. Ananda Sumanadasa, who had travelled from the USA to inaugurate the event in honour of his late father. He also inspired the audience with his proposal for developing domestic aviation initiatives at UoM, echoing Dr. Sumanadasa’s own passion for flight and innovation.
Eng. Ananda Sumanadasa, a Cambridge-educated engineer and former President of the South Bay Transportation Officials Association in California, delivered a heartfelt speech filled with personal recollections of his father’s extraordinary journey from building model aircraft as a student in Ambalangoda to becoming Sri Lanka’s first aeronautical engineer and the founding President of the Katubedda Campus.
A message from Ms. Leelani Chinathra, Dr. Sumanadasa’s daughter, was then read aloud, offering a moving family tribute that emphasized his humility, intellect, and compassion as both educator and father.
The evening also featured traditional music and dance performances, creating a vibrant cultural atmosphere that blended academic reflection with Sri Lankan artistry. The lecture was live-streamed globally via YouTube (link), drawing participants from across Sri Lanka and abroad.
Keynote Lecture by Emeritus Professor P. A. De Silva
The highlight of the evening was the keynote address delivered by Emeritus Professor P. A. De Silva, the longest-serving Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Moratuwa. Speaking on “The Principal of IPT (Institute of Practical Technology)”, Prof. De Silva drew on first-hand memories of working alongside Dr. Sumanadasa during the formative years of the institution.
In his speech, Prof. De Silva described Dr. Sumanadasa as “a great man who placed no limits on expansion,” recounting his dedication to building IPT from a humble beginning into a national centre of engineering excellence. He fondly recalled his first encounter with Dr. Sumanadasa in 1960, “trembling with nervousness at the interview,” he said, only to be welcomed warmly and encouraged to take initiative in every task.
With characteristic humour, he recited the timeless lines:
“The heights by great men attained and kept were not attained by sudden flight; while their companions slept, they were toiling upward in the night.”
Prof. De Silva’s address was both nostalgic and inspiring, highlighting the early challenges of recruiting staff and students, the transformation from IPT to Ceylon College of Technology, and the unwavering vision of Dr. Sumanadasa that continues to guide the University of Moratuwa today.
The success of the event was made possible through the dedicated teamwork of the Institutional Affairs Division, the External Affairs, Publicity and International Student Promotion Division, and academic departments including Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science & Engineering, Integrated Design, Material Science & Engineering, and Earth Resources Engineering. Staff from the Works, Security, Library, and Faculty of Architecture Divisions also played vital roles in planning, technical support, and venue management.
The formal Vote of Thanks acknowledged the efforts of all contributors and extended gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, and Dr. Samaradivakara for their leadership and vision.
Many academic staff, students, and alumni attended the event in person, while others from around the world joined online. The lecture received resounding praise for its professionalism, warmth, and historical significance. It was universally hailed as a proud moment for the University of Moratuwa.
Thanks to the vision and generosity of Eng. Ananda Sumanadasa, this biennial lecture will continue to honour the legacy of Dr. L. H. Sumanadasa. The next Dr. L. H. Sumanadasa Biennial Memorial Lecture will be held in 2027, continuing this tradition of inspiration and excellence
“Dr. Sumanadasa placed no limits on growth”, Prof. De Silva reminded the audience, a timeless message that captures the spirit of the University he helped build and the enduring.
For more information and to watch the full lecture, please visit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Photo Credits – Mr. Melro Mendis