FEATURED NEWS

The 18th Transport Research Forum and Transport Leaders Forum 2025, organized by the Transport Engineering Group, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa, was held on 3rd July at Water’s Edge, Colombo, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers to explore the future of Sri Lanka’s transport sector. The forum was graced by the Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, Prof. Kapila Perera, who delivered the keynote address. Prof. Perera emphasized the pressing need for sustainable and resilient transport systems, while also highlighting the government’s commitment to integrating advanced technologies and strengthening infrastructure to meet future challenges.

The inauguration ceremony of the M.Sc. in Geotechnical Engineering – 2024/25 was successfully held on 27th June 2025 at the Auditorium of the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa. The event marked the official commencement of the ninth intake of the postgraduate program, which continues to play a vital role in advancing geotechnical expertise in Sri Lanka. Dr. Asiri Karunawardana, Director General of the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO), graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The ceremony was also attended by Dr. Indrajith Nissanka, Director of Postgraduate Studies at the University of Moratuwa, and Prof. Udeni Nawagamuwa, Head of the Department of Civil Engineering, along with several academic and non-academic staff members. This year, 37 students from both industry and academia have enrolled in the program, underscoring its growing relevance and appeal among professionals and researchers alike. The M.Sc. in Geotechnical Engineering Program remains a strong platform for capacity building and research in soil mechanics, foundations, slope stability, and ground improvement. The Department of Civil Engineering extends its best wishes to the incoming cohort as they embark on this important academic journey.

The Survey Camp for the 21-Batch, organized by the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Moratuwa, was successfully conducted in two informative and engaging phases with the support of the both academic and non-academic staff of the department. This camp was designed to strengthen students’ theoretical knowledge and develop practical skills in surveying through structured academic sessions and real-world applications. Phase 1 was conducted at the department premises from June 16th to 20th, 2025. During this phase, students revisited core surveying concepts and developed hands-on proficiency with conventional surveying instruments and methods. The focus was on reinforcing fundamental techniques such as levelling, traversing, contouring, and setting out, allowing students to build confidence in using equipment like total stations and theodolites in a controlled academic environment. Phase 2 was conducted at the Kothmale International Training Institute of Irrigation and Water Management from June 24th to July 1st, 2025. Students were divided into twelve groups and assigned six different projects that simulated real-world engineering applications, including road alignment, community resettlement, township development, reservoir capacity enhancement, university development, and the cabana resort project. These projects required students to apply their classroom knowledge in the field, encouraging teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving in a practical setting.

Prof. H. R. Pasindu, one of the esteemed professors in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Moratuwa, has been appointed to two key national transport committees by the Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Aviation. The appointments include: - Road Development Consultative Council - Advisory Committee on the Implementation of the Metro Bus System These appointments recognize Professor Pasindu’s expertise in transportation engineering and his significant contributions to infrastructure development in Sri Lanka. The appointments include: - Road Development Consultative Council - Advisory Committee on the Implementation of the Metro Bus System These appointments recognize Professor Pasindu’s expertise in transportation engineering and his significant contributions to infrastructure development in Sri Lanka.

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.