Launch of The Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka UK Chapter:

on 24 June 2023 at Sri Lanka High Commission

Introduction:

The Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL), the leading professional body for engineers in Sri Lanka, is delighted to announce the establishment of the IESL UK Chapter. The inauguration ceremony took place on June 24, 2023, at the Sri Lanka High Commission in London, marking a significant milestone for IESL’s presence in the United Kingdom.

The Society of Sri Lankan Engineers and Scientists in the UK organized a significant event to inaugurate the IESL UK Chapter, welcoming engineers residing in the United Kingdom. The primary objective of this chapter is to promote networking, collaboration, and professional growth within the community of Sri Lankan professionals in the field of engineering.

The Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka UK Chapter is a professional organization that represents Sri Lankan engineers and engineering professionals residing in the United Kingdom. It serves as a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and professional development within the Sri Lankan engineering community in the UK. The UK Chapter works closely with the parent organization, the Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL), to uphold professional standards, promote engineering excellence, and support the advancement of the engineering profession. It organizes various events, seminars, technical sessions, and networking opportunities to facilitate collaboration, exchange of ideas, and continued learning among its members. The Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka UK Chapter plays a crucial role in fostering professional growth, promoting the interests of Sri Lankan engineers, and contributing to the engineering landscape in the United Kingdom.

 

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, 24th June 2023

Venue: Sri Lanka High Commission, 13 Hyde Park Gardens, London, W2 2LU

Arrival and Refreshments: 1.15pm

Start Time: 2.00pm

 

Distinguished Guests:

The launch event was graced by esteemed guests, including Mrs. Manorie Mallikaratchy, Deputy High Commissioner, who honored the occasion as the Chief Guest. Alongside her, Eng (Dr) Kamal Laksiri, President of IESL, and Eng (Prof) Ranjith Dissanayake, President-Elect of IESL, also attended the event, bringing their expertise and guidance to the occasion.

 

Guest Speakers:

The event featured two eminent guest speakers who shared their knowledge and insights with the attendees:

 

Dr. Rohitha Weerasinghe:

Professional Affiliations: FIMechE (Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers), PhD, SFHEA (Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy)

Expertise: Dr. Weerasinghe brought his extensive experience in the field of mechanical engineering to the event, offering valuable perspectives on the latest advancements and challenges in the industry.

Eng Gayan Liyanage:

Qualifications: BSc.Eng.(Hons), MSc, C.Eng., FICE (Chartered Engineer, Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers)

Expertise: Eng Liyanage, with his expertise in civil engineering, shared his valuable insights on current trends and innovative practices within the field.

Objective:

The primary goal of launching the IESL UK Chapter was to create a platform for Sri Lankan engineers residing in the UK to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the advancement of their professions. The event aimed to facilitate networking opportunities, knowledge sharing, and professional development initiatives within the community.

Conclusion:

The launch of the IESL UK Chapter proved to be a significant event, bringing together Sri Lankan engineers residing in the United Kingdom. With distinguished guests, insightful speakers, and a shared enthusiasm for professional growth, the event successfully laid the foundation for future collaborations, knowledge exchange, and the overall progress of the Sri Lankan engineering community in the UK and Sri Lanka.

 

Honorary Patron H.E. Ms Saroja Sirisena, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in the UK (Absent With Apology):

Despite her absence, H.E. Ms Saroja Sirisena, the Honorary Patron of the Society of Sri Lankan Engineers and Scientists in the UK, sent her apologies for not being able to attend the event. Her continued support and encouragement for the IESL UK Chapter launch were acknowledged and appreciated by the attendees.

 

Presiding Over the Election Process:

Eng (Dr) Kamal Laksiri, the President of the Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL), presided over the election process for the newly appointed Management Committee for 2023-2024. Eng (Prof) Ranjith Dissanayake, the President-Elect of IESL, was present as a witness during the election proceedings, ensuring transparency and adherence to the organization’s regulations.

 

Attendance of Mrs. Manorie Mallikaratchy, Deputy High Commissioner:

Mrs. ManorieMallikaratchy, the Deputy High Commissioner, attended the proceedings as an observer, representing the High Commission. Her presence served to reinforce the significance of the IESL UK Chapter launch and the commitment of the Sri Lankan diplomatic mission in the UK to support the professional growth and collaboration of Sri Lankan engineers and scientists.

 

Founder Management Committee for 2023-2024:

Founder Management Committee was elected for the period of 2023-2024 was announced during the event. The committee members, their respective positions, and sub-committee chairpersons are as follows:

 

  1. Chairman: D.P.M. Chandana
  2. Vice Chairman: Pradeep De Silva
  3. General Secretary: W.J.H. Jayasundera
  4. Treasurer: Upali Rupasinghe
  5. Editor: Harsha Appuhamiralalage

Committee Members:

  1. COMMITTEE MEMBER (1) – Jayantha Ranthilaka (CHAIR – Technical Sub Committee)
  2. COMMITTEE MEMBER (2) – A D V Dhanaratne (CHAIR – Social Sub Committee)
  3. COMMITTEE MEMBER (3) – Pubudu Malinda Ranawaka (CHAIR – Membership Sub Committee)
  4. COMMITTEE MEMBER (4) – RavindaJayadewa Malavi (CHAIR – ICT Sub Committee)
  5. COMMITTEE MEMBER (5) – Darshana Vithanage (CHAIR – Editorial Board)

 

Sub Committees:

Technical Sub Committee (CHAIR – COMMITTEE MEMBER (1) – Jayantha Ranthilaka)

  1. SUB COMMITTEE MEMBER (1) – Ranga Kalupahana
  2. SUB COMMITTEE MEMBER (2) – KalanaYasanthaJayatillake
  3. SUB COMMITTEE MEMBER (3) – Dr. Rohitha Weerasinghe

Social Sub Committee (CHAIR – COMMITTEE MEMBER (2) – A D V Dhanaratne)

  1. SUB COMMITTEE MEMBER (1) – Prasad Gallage

 

  1. SUB COMMITTEE MEMBER (2) – Manoj Nabodawewa
  2. SUB COMMITTEE MEMBER (3) – IndikaDahanayaka

Membership Sub Committee (CHAIR – COMMITTEE MEMBER (3) – Pubudu Malinda Ranawaka)

  1. SUB COMMITTEE MEMBER (1) – Saman Kumara
  2. SUB COMMITTEE MEMBER (2) – Gayathri De Silva
  3. SUB COMMITTEE MEMBER (3) – BiranavanSuthaharan

ICT Sub Committee (CHAIR – COMMITTEE MEMBER (4) – RavindaJayadewa Malavi)

  1. SUB COMMITTEE MEMBER (1) – UpeshKulathunga
  2. SUB COMMITTEE MEMBER (2) – Sandhya Weerasekara
  3. SUB COMMITTEE MEMBER (3) – Lahiru Dissanayaka

Editorial Board (CHAIR – COMMITTEE MEMBER (5) – Darshana Vithanage)

  1. SUB COMMITTEE MEMBER (1) – AsithaBandaranayaka
  2. SUB COMMITTEE MEMBER (2) – ChathuminiJayashika
  3. SUB COMMITTEE MEMBER (3) – ShulucksonSathiyaseelan

Web Administrators:

  1. Chinthaka Kumarasiri

Conclusion:

With the presence of distinguished guests, the election of the new Management Committee, and the appointment of sub-committee members, the launch of the IESL UK Chapter marked a significant milestone in fostering professional collaboration, knowledge sharing, and advancement among Sri Lankan engineers residing in the United Kingdom and Sri Lanka. The newly formed committee and sub-committees are poised to lead and contribute to the growth of the chapter, ensuring a prosperous future for its members.