IESL celebrates centenary

by Ramani Kangaraarachchi

The Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka,(IESL) which is the senior most engineering professional body in Asia will be celebrating its centenary on January 6 at the BMICH.

President IESL, Eng. Jayantha Ranatunga addressing a press conference on 100 years celebrations said that their engineers have proved their capability from ancient time upto now and the emphasis at the centenary celebrations will be given to convince legislators that our local engineers are capable of delivering high quality products and services to cater for the national requirement.

During the recent past very little input from engineers went into planning as a result of politicians not listening to engineers .

The power crisis today is a good example. He said that the future engineer will be much more advanced and expand their wings to different areas such as chemical, IT, hydraulic, and telecommunication engineering where they could contribute much more towards the development of the economy.

He appreciated the decision made by the President Mahinda Rajapakse to appoint only local engineers as the leaders of engineering projects in the future.

The celebrations commence today with multi religious ceremonies followed by the main ceremony on January 5.

Two world renowned scientists, the Sri Lankan born Prof. Chandra Wickramasinghe and Prof. U.R. Rao from India would be the guests of honour.

Presidents of sister engineering organisations in neighbouring countries would also be present. Issuing of a commemorative stamp to mark the event, launching of two engineering books, felicitating a few senior engineers.

A series of events organised by the North central Provincial Centre on January 7 would mark the commencement of the celebrations at provincial level.

Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayake will be the chief guest.