IESL Celebrates the beginning of a new era; The Inauguration of the 114th Annual Sessions of the Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL)
114th Annual sessions of the Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka was held on 8th April 2021 at Main Hall, Bandaranayaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) Colombo. This marks the ceremonial inauguration of the 114th session which was initially scheduled to be held in October 2020, postponed due to the COVID 19 pandemic situation in the country.
The main highlight of the annual sessions is the official handing over of the mantel of presidency to the incoming president for the session 2020/2021, Eng. K P I U Dharmapala by the outgoing president. Eng. (Prof) S.B.S. Abayakoon.
Emeritus Prof. K N O Dharmadasa, former Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Peradeniya graced the occasion as the Chief Guest while Dr. Ranjit Ranaraja (Former Appeal Court Judge) participated as the guest of honor. Keynote speech was delivered by Eng. Col. (Rtd). Nissanka N. Wijeratne, Secretary General/CEO, Chamber of Construction Industry of Sri Lanka.
The program was live telecasted through online platforms where foreign delegates from engineering institutions participated along with the members of the institution from overseas chapters from Australia, New Zealand and Qatar.
The session was inaugurated with welcome speech by Eng. (Prof) S.B.S. Abayakoon.
Dr. Ranjit Ranaraja in his speech highlighted the importance of doctrine of public trust. Similarly, engineers should also adopt the policy of equitable distribution when planning development projects and sustainably utilize the available resources for the benefit of the citizens of the country and ensure their safety.
Keynote speaker Eng. Col. (Rtd). Nissanka N. Wijeratne stated that even though Sri Lanka is a country with a proud history in Engineering, the representation of engineers in policy making level in our country is very low compared to other developing countries which has to be inclined to achieve greater success in national development.
Some of the features in modern day structures are inspired by the structures in ancient cities such as Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa and this inspiration and the identity of the country should be carried out in heart of all engineers, Prof. K N O Dharmadasa mentioned addressing the audience.
After inducting as the President of the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka for the session 2020/2021 Eng. K P I U Dharmapala addressing the gathering mentioned that Engineers should actively engage in national issues and with the general public where engineering solutions can be applicable and more opportunities should be given to young engineers and inventors and innovations as they are the future of our country.
Certificated were bestowed upon members of the institution who were transferred to the class of Honorary Life Fellow, Honorary Life Member and Fellow. Further certificates were handed over to members who became International Professional Engineers and awards were given to the winners of IESL competitions.
The event concluded with the vote of thanks delivered by Eng. Arjuna Manamperi, President Elect for the session 2020/2021.
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