The IESL extended its global reach to South Asia for the first time when it established in Qatar its latest overseas chapter in September this year strengthening its network of existing overseas chapters in Australia and New Zealand.

Delivering Keynote address at the inauguration of IESL Qatar chapter on 27th September 2014 at Mercure Grand Hotel in Doha, Qatar, Past President Eng. Shavnidranath Fernando stated that he considered the year 2014 as the year of professional excellence and it was with great pleasure that he was participating at the inaugural meeting of the IESL Qatar chapter, during the same year. He stated that all the Sri Lankan Engineers working in Middle East region would benefit from this initiative as he believed that it will act as a catalyst for the forming of more IESL chapters in the region, particularly in UAE, Bahrain and Oman in near future.

Ambassador of Sri Lanka in Qatar Mr. Jayantha Palipana who attended as the Chief Guest, in his address stated that forming a chapter of IELS which is the apex organization of Sri Lankan Engineers, is a historic event. He requested the elected members to undertake the responsibility of maintaining and growing the Chapter as a reputed organization representing the Engineers who have come from Sri Lanka.

President of the Sri Lanka Society of Sri Lankan Engineers Qatar Eng. Tilakasiri Ekanayaka delivering his welcome address stated that formation of IESL Qatar Chapter was the brainchild of the executive committee of Sri Lanka Society of Engineers Qatar (SLSEQ) who successfully liaised with the IESL making the Qatar Chapter a reality.

This is the first IESL chapter formed in Gulf Region and third IESL chapter established in overseas. Nearly 75 enthusiastic Sri Lankan Engineers working in Qatar joined the event at which the new office bearers were unanimously appointed for the year 2014/15.

Eng. Rohana Egodagamage was elected as the President of the IESL Qatar for year 2014/15 while Eng. Kamil Ariff was appointed as the Secretary of the Chapter.

Upon their election, each elected member gave a self introduction to those present.

Guest speaker Eng. M. Chandrasekara spoke about professional development paths for Engineers, particularly for those who are working in Middle East.

At the end of the proceedings, a fellowship and dinner were hosted by the Society of Sri Lankan Engineers Qatar.

Commencement of the Meeting: at Head Table from left: Eng. Shantha Weerasinghe Master of Ceremony, Eng. Kamil Ariff, Seccretary of Srilankan Engineers’ Society Qatar(SLESQ), Eng. Tilakasiri Ekanayake - President, SLECQ, Mr. Jayantha Palipana, the Sri Lankan Ambassador for Qatar, Eng. Shavindranath Fernado, Past President IESL, Eng. M Chandrasekera, Guest Speaker

Office Bearers of IESL Qatar Chapter and SLSEQ with the Past President IESL

Past President IESL handing over a Plaque to the very first President of IESL Qatar Chapter