The Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL) became a permanent signatory to the Washington Accord at the International Engineering Alliance meeting held in June 2014 in Wellington, New Zealand.

The engineering courses conducted at the Universities of Peradeniya, Moratuwa and Ruhuna are accredited by the IESL. Thus these accredited degrees will get recognition in all other Washington Accord signatory countries as equivalent to their own accredited degrees. This will ensure the continuous implementation of the highest quality assurance standards at the Engineering Faculties of the above universities.

It is a well known fact that Sri Lankan engineers play major roles in infrastructure development in many developed countries including Australia. This recognition will provide a greater global mobility to them and will substantially enhance their employment opportunities around the world. Most importantly, this will widen their horizon to give back to Sri Lanka.

IESL, which has been a provisional member of the Washington Accord since 2007, was working for several years to become a permanent member. During this period, the members and staff of Engineers Australia (EA) made a major contribution in mentoring IESL to achieve this global recognition. During 2013, two representatives from the IESL attended an accreditation visit at Newcastle University as observers and EA representatives visited universities in Sri Lanka, providing advice and support. This was instrumental in developing an effective accreditation program and necessary documentation for IESL to achieve this recognition.

On behalf of IESL NSW Chapter, I thank EA for the tremendous encouragement and guidance provided to IESL in achieving this global recognition.

Following the Engineers Convention 2013 organised by IESL NSW, the Chapter was able to organise the first ever meeting between the presidents of EA and IESL in Sydney. This meeting further strengthened the relationship between the two professional organisations. I take this opportunity thank all past and present executive committee members of the NSW Chapter for the hard work they have put in place to bring the Chapter to such a useful level. I particularly like to thank Roy Abeygoonawardana of NSW Chapter who made a valuable contribution towards this achievement.

Finally I congratulate past and present Presidents and Executive Committees and staff of IESL who have worked tirelessly over the years to achieve this very important milestone. IESL, however now has a challenging way in front to maintain the renowned status as an internationally recognised professional body. I have no doubts that present and future Executive Committees and staff of IESL will ensure that this done.

Well done and good luck.

Kamal Fernando
FIEAust CPEng MIESL MEngSc BScEng
Past Chair, IESL NSW Chapter
(The author is the Principal Engineer Water and Wastewater of NSW Public Works, Sydney)