|
The ceremonial launch of this year’s version of the National Engineering and Technology exhibition was held at the Galle Face Hotel on Tuesday, 19th June, 2018 from 6.00 pm onwards. The exhibition is organized and conducted annually since year 1985 by the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL), the apex body for the engineering profession in the country and is well known for bringing the latest in technologies, products, skills and best practices from around the world to its target audience during the 3 days it’s held.
Techno Sri Lanka 2018 is to be held for its 33rd consecutive year on 12th,13th and 14th October 2018 at the BMICH. A large audience comprised of sponsors, special invitees, guests, well-wishers, past presidents, Council members, members of the organizing committee and IESL staff attended the launch event. Eng. Nihal Rupasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Megapolis and Western Region Development graced the occasion as the chief guest.
The best of its kind to be held in Sri Lanka, this flagship event of the IESL is a much anticipated beacon among the industry as much as the public for the advent and transfer of cutting edge technology towards scientific and technological excellence of the engineering profession and related industry in the country
The ceremony commenced with the lighting of the traditional Oil Lamp and national anthem and was followed by President of IESL, Eng. (Prof.) Mrs. Niranjanie Ratnayake’s welcome address.
President Elect of IESL and Chairman of the Techno Sri Lanka 2018 Organizing Committee, Eng.(Prof.) T.M. Pallewatte in his introduction speech explained the idea behind selecting “
Engineering the Green Future” as the theme for this year’s exhibition and its aim to promote smart and sustainable development of the country while preserving earth’s resources for future generations.
The Chief Guest, Eng. Nihal Rupasinghe, in his speech briefed on the variety of mega projects being undertaken by the Ministry of Megapolis and Western Development mentioning the Light Rail, Port City, Colombo Flood Protection among other projects. He highlighted the fact that most of the work is not visible due to these being long term targeted towards the country reaching GDP level equivalent to USD 20,000 by year 2030. He assured the mostly industry representatives among the audience of the availability of work, especially for the construction sector, and predicted a bright future for the country and its people.
Addressing the audience in what was tagged as the ‘Techno Talk’ Mr. Peter D’ Almeida, Managing Director, N-Able Pvt. Ltd made an enlightening and critical review of the theme of the exhibition and the vision and mission statements of the IESL. He pointed out that they should not be limited to mere words but should have active involvements and potential to inspire breakthroughs in the endeavor towards achieving their goals. Drawing several real-life examples he emphasized the need for a complete rethink by the institution and its engineer members so that they will not miss out on the more important simpler things for the benefit of society by focusing on grandiose works. He underscored the importance of nurturing a mindset that promotes curiosity among younger generations and the dispersion of science and technology and benefits to reach out to the underserved.
M/s Sri Lanka Telecom and M/s Mobitel (Pvt.) Ltd are the Principal Sponsors for the Techno Sri Lanka 2018. Speaking on behalf of M/s Sri Lanka Telecom Eng.Rohana Ellawela, General Manager – Corporate relations, mentioned that the organization is the main sponsor of the exhibition for the 20th consecutive year and proud to be associated with it. Mr. Rasantha Hettithanthirige - Senior General Manager speaking on behalf of M/s Mobitel (Pvt.) Ltd. expressed his happiness of being the main sponsor along with Sri Lanka Telecom for the 10th consecutive year and added that the event has been and will continue to be their most preferred platform for launching new generation products and services.
The event was also the occasion to handover tokens of sponsorships for sponsors The Vote of Thanks was proposed by Deputy Chairman of the Techno Organizing Committee, Eng. (Prof.) D A R Dolage and this was followed by Cocktails with which the event concluded.
|
