FEATURED NEWS

The Department of Civil Engineering (DCE) successfully held its annual Department Industry Consultative Board (DICB) Meeting on 29th May 2025 at the IESL Lounge. The meeting served as a strategic platform for dialogue between academia and industry, aiming to strengthen the department’s academic programs and student development through industry feedback and collaboration. The meeting commenced with a welcome address by Prof. U. P. Nawagamuwa, Head of the Department, followed by a presentation summarizing the department’s actions taken in response to feedback from the 2024 DICB meeting. These included enhancements in curriculum, employability initiatives, training quality, and student exposure to modern tools and sustainability practices. A significant highlight of the meeting was the presentation by Prof. Nalin de Silva on the major curriculum revision set to take effect from the 2026 intake. Key updates include the introduction of new modules on contract administration, conceptual design, and geomatics engineering, as well as increased emphasis on research, sustainability, and soft skills.

To mark the sacred Vesak Poya day, the Department of Civil Engineering organized a Bakthi Gee performance followed by an Ice Cream Dansala on 27th May 2025 from 5.00 p.m. onwards at the department premises. The event was organized by the students of Intake 23, under the guidance of the Head of the Department, Prof. U.P. Nawagamuwa. The event was attended by both the staff and students of the Department. The evening began with the Bakthi Gee program, featuring heartfelt musical performances by students and staff. This was followed by the Ice Cream Dansala, symbolizing the spirit of generosity and sharing that lies at the heart of Vesak.

The Avrudu festival celebration was held on the 24th of April 2025 from 9.30 am onwards at the Civil Engineering Department. The celebration was organized by the Head of the Department, Prof. Udeni Nawagamuwa, to promote cultural understanding among various communities by disseminating information about various ethnic groups. Prof. Nawagamuwa addressed the gathering by wishing everyone a Happy Sinhala and Tamil New Year. The event was attended by both academic and non-academic staff members of the Civil Engineering Department, as well as postgraduate students.

Prof. H. R. Pasindu, one of the esteemed professors in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Moratuwa, was elected as the Vice President / President-Elect at the 41st AGM of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Sri Lanka held on 7th April 2025.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has recently published a comprehensive new resource titled "Guidebook on Machine Learning Techniques for Road Quality Monitoring" co-authored by Prof. H. R. Pasindu, a distinguished academic in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Moratuwa. For more information or to download the guidebook, visit: https://dx.doi.org/10.22617/TCS250091-2

The Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Moratuwa recently conducted a soft skills workshop focused on crafting a professional CV, aimed at empowering final-year undergraduates as they prepare to enter the job market. The workshop was conducted by Mr. Kasun Hettiarachchi, Manager – HR, Legal & Regulatory Affairs at Sri Lanka Telecom Services (PVT) LTD, who shared valuable insights into effective CV writing tailored for industry expectations. This session, following earlier workshops on team building and interview preparation, highlights the department’s continued commitment to producing well-rounded graduates equipped for professional success.

The Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Moratuwa organised an Interview and Industry Readiness Training Programme for Civil Engineering Batch 20 on 27 March 2025. The session was conducted by Eng. Chathura Vidanapathirana, Founder of Creative Junction and a certified trainer of the Sri Lanka Institute of Training and Development (SLITAD), with the support and guidance of departmental staff. The programme aimed to equip students with the essential skills and confidence required to navigate job interviews and transition smoothly into the professional engineering environment.

The Highway Engineering Society Student Chapter of the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa, conducted a Road Safety Awareness Program on March 12th at Bauddhaloka Maha Vidyalaya, Panadura. The initiative aimed to raise awareness among school students about road safety practices and introduce them to modern transportation technologies. The program also featured a motivational session to inspire students in their academic journey, making it a well-rounded and impactful outreach activity.

The Ramadhan festival celebration was held on the 7th of April 2025 from 10.30 am onwards at the Civil Engineering Department. The celebration was organized by the Head of the Department, Prof. Udeni Nawagamuwa, to promote cultural understanding among various communities by disseminating information about various ethnic groups. Prof. Udeni Nawagamuwa addressed the gathering by wishing everyone a Happy Ramadhan. The event was coordinated by Dr. N.M.M. Nihaaj under the guidance of the Head of the Department. The event was attended by both academic and non-academic staff members of the Civil Engineering Department, as well as postgraduate students. At the event, Dr Nihaaj provided an overview of the Eid festival and the importance of the month of Ramadhan for Muslims around the world.

Prof. H. R. Pasindu, one of the esteemed professors in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Moratuwa, delivered the John Diandas Memorial Lecture organized by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Sri Lanka on Public Transport Safety focusing on bus transport in Sri Lanka. The event was held at the National Transport Commission.