Annual Ray Wijewardene Memorial Lecture 2024 Held at IESL
By PUBLICITY DIVISION (IESL)
The Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL) hosted the annual Ray Wijewardene Memorial Lecture on the 28th of August 2024, in a fitting tribute to one of the country's most celebrated engineers and innovators. Held at the prestigious Wimalasurendra Auditorium, the event drew a distinguished audience, including family members of the late Ray Wijewardene, past Presidents of the IESL, Council Members, and prominent figures from the engineering community.
This year’s memorial lecture was delivered by Professor Kapila Gunasekara, the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya, on the thought-provoking topic “Is There a Way Out of the Box?” The lecture was an intellectual exploration into innovative thinking and problem-solving, drawing parallels with the pioneering spirit of Ray Wijewardene, a Sri Lankan engineer, inventor, and agronomist renowned for his contributions to sustainable agriculture and technology.
The event began with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp, a symbol of enlightenment and wisdom, followed by the ceremonial garlanding of Ray Wijewardene’s portrait. Eng. Prof. Ranjith Dissanayake, President of the IESL, led the ceremony, paying homage to the late engineer’s legacy. Wijewardene’s family members, who were in attendance, participated in the tribute, making the occasion both personal and meaningful.
In his opening address, Eng. Prof. Dissanayake spoke about Ray Wijewardene’s unparalleled contributions to engineering and innovation. “Ray Wijewardene was a true visionary whose work transcended boundaries and brought transformative ideas to life. He challenged conventional thinking and pushed the limits of what was possible, especially in the fields of agriculture, renewable energy, and mechanization. It is in his spirit of relentless innovation that we gather here today, to honor his legacy and reflect on how we can think beyond the ordinary,” he said.
Professor Kapila Gunasekara’s lecture, “Is There a Way Out of the Box?” delved into the importance of unconventional thinking in solving complex problems, particularly in today’s rapidly evolving world. Drawing from examples across various fields, Prof. Gunasekara urged the audience to break free from traditional approaches and consider fresh, creative perspectives when addressing challenges in engineering, science, and beyond.
“Ray Wijewardene never accepted limitations. He was a man who looked at the world through a different lens, and because of that, he was able to pioneer innovations that have had a lasting impact on both Sri Lanka and the world. Today, we must ask ourselves: are we thinking in ways that challenge the status quo? Are we innovating with the future in mind? The solutions to tomorrow's problems lie not within the box, but outside of it,” Prof. Gunasekara emphasized during his address.
His lecture explored how interdisciplinary thinking, technological advancements, and a shift in mindset could help overcome some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity, including energy sustainability, food security, and climate change. He emphasized the need for collaboration between sectors and for engineers to take a leading role in fostering innovation across industries.
The audience, which included both seasoned engineers and young professionals, responded positively to Prof. Gunasekara’s engaging and insightful presentation. Many found the lecture to be an inspiring call to action, urging them to rethink conventional methods and embrace innovation as a path to progress.
As the event drew to a close, family members of the late Ray Wijewardene shared personal reflections on his life and work, recalling his tireless passion for innovation and his dedication to improving the lives of others through technology and engineering. They expressed gratitude to the IESL for continuing to honor his memory through this annual lecture, which serves as a platform for inspiring future generations of engineers.
The Ray Wijewardene Memorial Lecture is an annual event organized by the IESL to celebrate the life and legacy of a man whose work had a profound impact on multiple sectors, including engineering, agriculture, and sustainable development. His contributions, such as the development of the two-wheel tractor, and his advocacy for renewable energy and sustainable practices, have left a lasting imprint on the country’s development.
The evening concluded with a networking session, where attendees exchanged ideas and reflected on the themes of the lecture. The event underscored the IESL’s commitment to fostering innovation, creativity, and critical thinking within the engineering community, ensuring that Ray Wijewardene’s legacy continues to inspire future generations.
