Lankan student makes country proud

P. M. N. Bandara

At graduation ceremonies, students' names are usually called out once. But at the Papua New Guinea University of Technology graduation ceremony, a Sri Lankan student's name was called several times. Once to receive the degree certificate and three times to receive awards.

Malith Sumanasiri, 23, made the graduating ceremony colourful, making Sri Lankan proud. He was awarded the University Council Medal with merit, Dean's award and also the Best Engineering Award from the Institute of Engineers.

Malith graduated with Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering. He came to Papua New Guinea as a young boy when his father Dr. K. E. D. Sumanasiri joined the same university in 2003 as a lecturer in Mechanical Engineering. He is a product of the University of Peradeniya and a former lecturer. Currently, he is the Head of Department of Mechanical Engineering. Malith carried out his early education in Papua New Guinea.

Soon after completion of exams, he was offered a position as cadet engineer at the New Britain Palm Oil.

He was awarded a merit government scholarship throughout the university career as he scored high marks at the grade 12 exam.