FEATURED NEWS

The Transportation Engineering Division of the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa, has initiated a collaborative research agreement with Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited for a study titled “Demand Modeling for Domestic Air Travel Trips in the Sri Lankan Aviation Sector.” The proposed research aims to develop a calibrated demand model to support evidence-based planning and policy formulation in Sri Lanka’s domestic aviation sector. As part of the engagement, the Transportation Engineering Division also presented an overview of its ongoing research activities, further strengthening industry–academia collaboration in the field of air transportation. The Transportation Engineering Division was represented by Dr. Varuna Adikariwattage, Mr. Osanda Rathnayake, and Mr. Lahiru Rathuge. Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited was represented by Air Chief Marshal (Rtd) Harsha Abeywickrema, Chairman; Dr. Sumith De Silva, Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications; Mr. Aruna Rajapaksha, Head of Airport Management; and Mr. Kishantha Nimalaratne, Head of Civil Aviation Training. This collaboration marks an important milestone in advancing research-driven decision-making and promoting sustainable development within Sri Lanka’s aviation sector.

Professor Udeni Nawagamuwa, Head of the Department of Civil Engineering, has been awarded the 2025 AITAA Distinguished Alumni Award by the Asian Institute of Technology Alumni Association (AITAA) in recognition of his outstanding achievements in Academic and Research Excellence and his significant professional and technical contributions to society and the global community. The prestigious award was presented on 8 November 2025 at the 54th Governing Board Meeting of the Asian Institute of Technology Alumni Association, held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. This honour reflects the exemplary leadership of Professor Nawagamuwa in academia, impactful research, and continued commitment to advancing engineering education and practice both locally and internationally.

Three research articles co-authored by five academic staff members of the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa, were honoured at the President’s Award for Scientific Research 2021. For their exceptional contributions to scientific research, the journal papers ‘Grappling with COVID-19 by imposing and lifting non-pharmaceutical interventions in Sri Lanka: A modeling perspective’, co-authored by Prof. M. W. Jayaweera and Prof. J. M. A. Manathunga, ‘Evaluation of the impact of runway characteristics on veer-off risk at rapid exit taxiways', co-authored by Prof. H.R. Pasindu and Dr. Varuna Adikariwattage, and ‘Thermal and environmental impact analysis of rice husk ash-based mortar as insulating wall plaster’, co-authored by Prof. (Mrs.) J. C. P. H. Gamage were recognized with prestigious awards in acknowledgment of their high-quality scientific research.

Professor Ananda Jayawardane, a Senior Professor in Civil Engineering and a past Vice-Chancellor of the University of Moratuwa, has been appointed as an Independent Non-Executive Director of the Bank of Ceylon with effect from 14th November 2025. Professor Jayawardane is an outstanding academic, an academic leader and a corporate personality with extensive experience and expertise in corporate governance in public institutions and private corporates in banking, finance, manufacturing, insurance, education and science & technology. He completed his term as the Chairman of the Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC in April 2024 after serving nine years on its Board of Directors and successfully leading the bank during the most challenging times. He brings in extensive expertise in corporate governance, strategy, risks, credit, talent management, technology management, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) framework. He is currently a Non-Executive Director of HNB Assurance PLC and Mother Lanka Foundation and serves in the Stakeholder Engagement Committee of the Central Bank and the Corporate Governance Committee of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka. Prof. Jayawardane’s far-reaching background in academia and industry is expected to contribute significantly to the strategic direction and governance of the Bank of Ceylon.

The Department of Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa, successfully hosted the Industry Networking Session 2025 on 23rd October 2025 from 6.00 p.m. onwards at Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo. The event was organised as a follow-up to the Civil Engineering Research Symposium 2025 (CERS 2025), with the objective of fostering stronger collaboration between academia and the construction industry. The evening commenced with the launch of the brochure titled “Services and Contributions to Industry”, highlighting the Department’s extensive expertise, postgraduate and short course programmes, consultancy services, and research contributions to the civil engineering sector in Sri Lanka and beyond. A key feature of the event was an engaging panel discussion on strengthening industry-academia collaboration, which brought together leading professionals and academics to explore practical pathways for joint initiatives, innovation-driven partnerships, and capacity building for the future. The event also included an appreciation ceremony to recognise and thank the sponsors of CERS 2025 for their invaluable support in making the symposium a success. The formal proceedings were followed by a networking session and fellowship dinner, offering a vibrant platform for professionals and academics to exchange ideas, discuss emerging trends, and build meaningful connections that pave the way for future collaborations. The Industry Networking Session 2025 reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to bridging the gap between industry and academia, promoting research-driven solutions, and contributing to the sustainable development of Sri Lanka’s built environment.

The Transportation Engineering Division of the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa, had the pleasure of welcoming a team of delegates from Shandong University of Science and Technology. The visit provided a valuable platform to discuss potential collaborations, student exchange programs, and academic visits, with the shared goal of enhancing research and educational partnerships in the field of Transportation Engineering. Both institutions exchanged ideas on innovative approaches to transportation research and the role of academic collaboration in addressing global mobility challenges. The Division looks forward to continuing this dialogue and working together toward innovative and sustainable transportation solutions through strengthened international partnerships.

Dr. Luminda Gunawardhana delivered the keynote address at the World Rivers Day 2025 celebration organized by the Riverine Management Branch of the Irrigation Department. The event was held on 9th October 2025 at the Irrigation Department Main Auditorium, Colombo. His keynote, titled “Rivers in a Changing Climate: Harnessing Remote Sensing and Machine Learning for Sustainable Water Management,” highlighted the escalating challenges faced by river basins under climate change. Dr. Gunawardhana emphasized rising hydrological variability, more frequent extreme events, the importance of remote sensing in addressing data gaps, and the growing role of machine learning and integrated hydrological modelling in supporting evidence-based water resources planning. The event was attended by key officials, including Dr. (Eng.) Kithsiri Weligepolage, Additional Director General of Irrigation; Eng. Ajith Gunasekara, Director General of Irrigation; and Eng. Y.M.N.U. Buddhika, Director of Irrigation – Riverine Management, along with over 100 engineers and engineering assistants. Dr. Gunawardhana’s address underscored the need to blend advanced technologies with robust modelling tools to ensure sustainable river basin management in an era of rapid environmental change.

Civil Engineering Research Symposium (CERS) 2025, organized by the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa, was held successfully on the 23rd of October 2025 at the Civil Engineering Auditorium. The symposium showcased the latest and novel research activities undertaken by undergraduate and postgraduate students of the Department. Dr. Moussa Baalbaki, Director of Products and Solutions Portfolio at INSEE Cement (Pvt) Ltd, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Dr. Herath Manthrithilake, Emeritus Scientist at the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), attended as the Keynote Speaker. The symposium proceedings, produced as a book of abstracts, were published, which comprises the findings of the latest undergraduate research projects. The research showcased the advances in Structural Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Hydraulic Engineering, Construction Management, Environmental Engineering, and Transportation Engineering. A selected set of abstracts was presented by students at the symposium. A 3-Minute Thesis (3-MT) Challenge for postgraduate students was also organized in parallel, demonstrating their latest research achievements in a creative manner. The winners of the competition were announced at the symposium, and they were awarded certificates. As a special feature of CERS 2025, the Department of Civil Engineering formally recognised undergraduate and graduate students whose research work had been published as full-length, peer-reviewed articles in Q1 or Q2–ranked journals, reaffirming the Department’s commitment to promoting excellence in research and publication.

The UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Centre for South Asia Water Management (UMCSAWM), University of Moratuwa, joined hands with the UNESCO Madanjeet School of Green Energy Technologies (UMSGET), Pondicherry University, India, and the South Asia Foundation (SAF) to successfully co-organize the First International Conference on Energy and Water for a Sustainable Environment (ICEWSE 2025). The conference was held on 30th September and 1st October 2025 at Pondicherry University, India. Under the theme “Sustainable Synergies: Advancing Energy and Water Solutions for a Resilient Future,” the event brought together over 120 academics, researchers, policymakers, and industry experts from the South Asia region and beyond to discuss innovations and integrated strategies for sustainable energy and water management. The event was graced by the presence of the SAF Principal Trustee, Madam France Marque, as the Guest of Honour, together with several other distinguished dignitaries and invited guests. ICEWSE 2025 featured keynote sessions, technical paper presentations, and interactive discussions led by esteemed scientists and professionals across South Asia. The UMCSAWM delegates, including faculty and postgraduate researchers, actively contributed through presentations and technical exchanges, and networking sessions. In the conference, academic partnerships between Sri Lanka and India were strengthened while reinforcing UMCSAWM’s commitment to advancing regional collaboration and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).