A life time Award for Corporate members of IESL

The concept of introducing once in a life time award for Corporate members of IESL was initially introduced in 2023. This idea came about through a visionary Engineer Dr. A.C. Visvalingam who is a renowned engineer both locally and internationally. Dr. Visvalingam with soft beginnings in his life made a name for himself due to his excellent background in both theoretical and practical aspects in engineering. His courage and commitment were such that, he was fearless in taking challenges in his professional life. He was an icon for young engineers, but did not want to stop at that, he was anxious to see that there will be more engineers with either equal or better character and qualities who will serve our motherland in the future. These thoughts inspired him to incentivize the younger generation by making a handsome donation for a glamorous award by IESL annually.

The guidance and criteria to receive applications for this award has been indicated in an agreement signed by both Dr. Visvalingam and IESL, which specifically illustrates the goals to be achieved by making this award open to Corporate members of IESL.

In the past there had been several engineers who were corporate members of IESL who had shown their capability, commitment and caliber in handling many development projects within the country, with little or no assistance from foreign technocrats. We are aware that some of the projects were initiated in SriLanka and later now they have developed into different scales in foreign countries. What has to be understood is our ancestors, whom I may call legendries in their fields had much less resources than we have today, yet their professionalism in general was considered at very high level. However, over the years with academic and professional progress we have learnt to manage the earth resources more economically with increase in population, thus more sustainable in the longevity.

So, it is time for the younger generation to make use of their knowledge and the guidance and directions of the professionalism of our ancestors, as a nation, we make an outstanding contribution to our motherland in the development activities. I am sure this amply exemplifies the vision of Dr A.C. Visvalingam in initiating the “Most Outstanding Engineer” award.

Eng. Priyal De Silva
Past President, Chairman of Dr. Visvalingam Price Awarding Committee 2023~2025