Recently, one of my old students, who is from Bandarawela contacted me to express her opinion on Uma oya project. She has been so nervous (as an engineer) due to the pressure from her community to do something to solve this problem.

Public perception about this project is so negative and as she is also from the same vulnerable area, now suffering due to lack of water, is not an exception. She wants IESL to do something and I persuaded her to talk with the regional chapter.

This is not the only case we have heard regarding the consequences of development projects. There have been several such cases and except the top most management, engineers have been so silent. Good or bad, engineers should debate and argue. Then only the public can receive the real picture of the situation.  As we all see, non-engineers are claiming, giving reasons, but surprisingly, engineers have been so silent.

Why so silent?

Why don’t engineers enjoy the power of freedom (to protest) which is enjoyed by the general public?

I have been struggling to find answers for the above questions.

Udeni P. Nawagamuwa
nawagamuwa@gmail.com