IESL Commemorates 117th Birth Anniversary of Late Prof. E.O.E. Pereira with Memorial Lecture
By PUBLICITY DIVISION (IESL)
The Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL) paid tribute to the legacy of Late Prof. E.O.E. Pereira, widely regarded as the Father of Engineering Education in Sri Lanka, by commemorating his 117th birth anniversary on the 13th of September 2024. The solemn yet inspiring event featured a memorial lecture titled "Structural Failures: Understanding the Root Cause," delivered by Eng. Prof. Chaminda S. Bandara, a renowned expert in the field of structural engineering.
The event began with a traditional ceremony, with Eng. Prof. Ranjith Dissanayake, President of the IESL, lighting the oil lamp and garlanding the portrait of Prof. Pereira. The moment was one of reverence and respect for the man whose vision and pioneering efforts laid the foundation for modern engineering education in Sri Lanka. Prof. Pereira's family members were present at the ceremony, along with an audience that included past Presidents of IESL, Council Members, and distinguished engineers from various sectors.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Dissanayake praised the contributions of Late Prof. Pereira, acknowledging his instrumental role in the development of the engineering profession in Sri Lanka. "Prof. E.O.E. Pereira’s vision and leadership were critical to shaping the future of engineering education in our country. His contributions have touched the lives of thousands of engineers, and his legacy continues to inspire the profession today. This event is not just a tribute to his memory but also a reminder of the standards of excellence he set for us all," he stated.
The highlight of the event was the memorial lecture by Eng. Prof. Chaminda S. Bandara, who captivated the audience with his insights on structural failures and the importance of understanding their root causes. Using real-world case studies, Prof. Bandara discussed the complexities involved in identifying the underlying reasons for structural failures and the need for thorough analysis and preventive measures in engineering practices. His presentation underscored the critical role of education and continuous professional development in equipping engineers to tackle challenges and ensure safety in their work.
The lecture was well-received by attendees, who appreciated the relevance of the topic in the current context of engineering and infrastructure development. Many noted that the lecture was a fitting tribute to Prof. Pereira, who had dedicated his life to advancing engineering education and ensuring that future generations of engineers were equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to serve society responsibly.
The event concluded with a sense of reflection and admiration for the profound contributions of Prof. Pereira. Past Presidents of the IESL, who had worked closely with Prof. Pereira or were influenced by his work, shared their personal memories of his leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to the engineering community.
Prof. E.O.E. Pereira is credited with establishing the first formal engineering education program in Sri Lanka and played a pivotal role in the development of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Ceylon (now the University of Peradeniya). His contributions have left an indelible mark on the engineering profession, and his legacy continues to shape the careers of engineers across the country.
The IESL, through this commemoration, reaffirmed its commitment to honoring the memory of Prof. Pereira and his immeasurable contributions to the engineering field. The event served as a reminder of the importance of carrying forward his vision for excellence in engineering education and practice, ensuring that future generations are inspired by his legacy.
