Tokyo Cement-Peradeniya University conclude Industry-Uni Collaboration Day 2025

Prof. Terrence Madhujith

Prof. Lilantha Samaranayake

Prof. Kushan Wijesundara

Postgraduate and undergraduate students from University of Peradeniya’s Civil Engineering Department presented their innovative solutions at the event

The Civil Engineering Department of the University of Peradeniya, in partnership with the Tokyo Cement Group, concluded its flagship event Industry-University Collaboration Day 2025, with remarkable success, fostering dynamic engagement between academia and industry stakeholders.

Held at the Centre of Excellence for Water and Sanitation (CEWAS) Auditorium in Ratmalana, the event was graced by Prime Minister and Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya as the chief guest. Other distinguished guests included Peradeniya University Vice Chancellor Prof. Terrance Madhujith, Engineering Faculty Dean Prof. Lilantha Samaranayake and Civil Engineering Department Head Prof. Kushan Wijesundara, senior faculty members, renowned industry professionals and both past and present postgraduate and undergraduate students.

Dr. Amarasuriya, in her keynote address, emphasised the importance of curriculum reform to promote the STEM education aligned with global standards, role of university research in advancing industry to meet contemporary development needs and importance of establishing equal educational opportunities to transform the nation’s future. 

This annual event of the Civil Engineering Department of the Peradeniya University showcases research output by undergraduate and postgraduate students with the potential to transform the civil engineering sector. It is a platform to share ideas addressing current engineering challenges through novel thinking and innovation. It brings together stakeholders from the government, state authorities, research institutes, public and private firms, academia and engineering students, to facilitate stronger industry-academia collaboration.

Spanning the full spectrum of civil engineering: structural, geotechnical, transportation, water resources and environmental engineering, the event featured poster exhibitions, oral presentations and case studies from successful academia-industry partnerships. 

A standout feature of the programme was the shotgun presentations, where students delivered concise, two-minute pitches of their research projects. The rapid-fire presentations emphasised practical engineering solutions, offering students the opportunity to highlight the department’s cutting-edge research capabilities aligned with real-world needs.