University of Ruhuna Faculty of Engineering celebrates ‘Silver Jubilee’

Nestled in the scenic Hapugala area of Galle, the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Ruhuna stands as a testament to vision, perseverance, and academic excellence. From its humble beginnings in 1996, when the vision was first ignited, to its upcoming 25th-anniversary celebration in 2025—marking its official establishment in 1999 and the first student intake in 2000—the faculty has become a pioneering institution in Sri Lanka’s engineering education landscape.

The first intake of 100 students was admitted on March 27, 2000, marking the beginning of an extraordinary journey. Now, 25 years later, the faculty thrives under the leadership of Prof. Chaminda Karunasena, producing globally competitive engineers and embracing new frontiers in technology and research. This article traces the faculty’s inspiring journey, reflects on its current status, and looks forward to its promising future as alumni and students actively engage in Silver Jubilee activities in 2025.

A vision takes root

The story of the Faculty of Engineering began in 1996, sparked by the foresight of Prof. S. Pinnaduwage, then Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ruhuna, and supported by the political vision of Dr. Richard Pathirana, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Education at the time. Dr. Pathirana not only secured the land in Hapugala for the faculty, but also mobilised resources and frequently visited the site to oversee its development. Recognising the need for a third engineering faculty—following the prestigious Universities of Peradeniya and Moratuwa—the goal was to expand access to engineering education in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province.

Dr. H.H.J. Keerthisena, appointed as the Faculty’s first Coordinator, brought dedication and determination to transform this vision into reality. On October 20, 1996, Hon. Bernard Soysa, Minister of Science and Technology, laid the foundation stone, and construction began in October 1997, led by a skilled team. The faculty was officially established on July 1, 1999, and opened its doors on January 28, 2000, welcoming its first cohort of 100 students in March under the leadership of Dr. Keerthisena as the Founding Dean. This rapid progress, completed in just over three years, laid a solid foundation for future success.

Growth and innovation

From the outset, the faculty embraced innovation. Under the guidance of Prof. S.R.H. Hoole and a dedicated planning team, it adopted a semester-based modular system—a departure from the traditional structures of its peers. With two 19-week semesters, this flexible, interdisciplinary approach influenced both Peradeniya and Moratuwa within two years.

Initially offering three specialized programs—Civil and Environmental Engineering, Electrical and Information Engineering, and Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering—the faculty later expanded to include a unique Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture program, the only one of its kind in Sri Lanka, along with a Computer Engineering program. This has now brought the total number of specializations to five. The student intake steadily grew from 100 in 2000 to over 500 annually by 2021, reaching 545 with the 26th batch inaugurated on March 21, 2025. This expansion is supported by state-of-the-art laboratories, lecture theatres, hostels, and a computer centre. The Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, available since the faculty’s inception, enriches students’ education with modules in management, economics, social sciences, personal development, aesthetics, and mathematics.

Current Status: A Beacon of Excellence

As of March 2025, the Faculty of Engineering is flourishing as a hub of education and innovation. Its three original specializations have been fully accredited under the Washington Accord (Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering streams since 2010) and recognized by the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL). The Computer Engineering program (launched in 2022) and the Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture program (started in 2021) are seeking similar recognition, with the latter also receiving ISO 9001:2018 certification.

With a current annual intake of 545 students across its programs, the faculty meets the growing demand for skilled engineers. Its graduates, numbering over 3,400, have made significant contributions to Sri Lanka’s infrastructure, engineering and technology sectors, with many achieving international recognition. The faculty’s research spans a broad array of cutting-edge fields, including sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, smart grids, advanced communication systems, artificial intelligence, robotics, innovative design and manufacturing, and maritime technology. This diverse research portfolio has earned both national and international acclaim, reinforcing the faculty’s leadership in addressing today’s complex challenges. For example, in 2024, one of the students of the faculty from the Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering Mr. Lakdinu made history by becoming the first Sri Lankan engineering undergraduate to win the world championship at the ‘Speak Out for Engineering’ competition, organised by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers UK. The event took place in Dubai on 5th November 2024. In the world finals, Lakdinu competed against representatives from six regions: Malaysia (Southeast Asia), China (Northeast Asia), Germany (Europe), Dubai (Middle East and Africa), Trinidad and Tobago (the Americas), and England (UK and Ireland). He emerged victorious, with the runner-up position awarded to the UK and Ireland. 

25th Anniversary 

In 2025, the faculty will celebrate its Silver Jubilee, marking 25 years since its establishment in 1999 and the enrolment of its first students in 2000. This milestone reflects a journey of resilience and achievement. The faculty is planning several activities to commemorate the occasion, including an Engineering Exhibition later in the year, which will showcase its contributions to innovation and technology. These celebrations underscore the faculty’s commitment to academic excellence and its role in shaping the future of engineering in Sri Lanka, while paving the way for expansion into cutting-edge technologies and deeper research collaborations.

Outlook: Shaping Tomorrow’s Engineers

Looking ahead, the faculty is poised for further growth. With advancements in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and maritime engineering, it plans to integrate these emerging fields into its curriculum and research. Collaborations with national and global partners will elevate the faculty’s impact, focusing on engineers who tackle local challenges—such as sustainable development in Sri Lanka—and global issues, such as climate change and digital transformation.

Under the leadership of Prof. Chaminda Karunasena, the faculty aims to secure ISO 9001:2018 certification for newer programs and expand its interdisciplinary offerings. As it enters its third decade, the faculty’s vision is clear: to remain a cornerstone of engineering education, driving progress in Sri Lanka and beyond.

Legacy

The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Ruhuna is a story of ambition realized. From its inception in 1996 to its current stature, it has grown into a powerhouse of talent and innovation, thanks to the tireless efforts of its academic and non-academic members, the unwavering support of its students, and the enduring commitment of its alumni.

This collective effort has paved the way for a vibrant community that continues to thrive. To celebrate this 25th anniversary, the Ruhuna Engineering Faculty Alumni Association (REFAA) is hosting the “Ruhuna Engineers’ Jubilee Night” on March 29, 2025, at Wave n’ Lake Hall, Ragama, uniting past and present members to honour this legacy. The faculty stands as an inspiring example of what vision, dedication, and adaptability can achieve for students, educators, and engineers worldwide.