The foundation of quality engineering lies in the ability to serve every member of society without discrimination.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the foundation of quality engineering lies in the ability to serve every member of society without discrimination.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the Pera Engineers’ Day Pinnacle 2026’ Engineering Excellence Awards Ceremony of the Alumni of University of Peradeniya held at Waters Edge, Battaramulla, on 05 August.
The event was organized to recognize distinguished professionals and entrepreneurs who are alumni of the Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya, and who have made outstanding contributions to the engineering profession.
The Prime Minister presented Engineering Excellence Awards to the distinguished alumni and, addressing the gathering thereafter, stated:
The University of Peradeniya is an institution that holds unique place in the history of education in Sri Lanka. From highways, bridges and irrigation systems to energy projects, manufacturing industries, telecommunications, digital technology and public infrastructure, Peradeniya engineers have played a significant role in shaping the Sri Lanka we know today.
However, engineering is not merely about structures, machinery or technology. At its heart, engineering should be about solving human problems. Every meaningful achievement begins with one fundamental question on how we can improve people’s lives.
As engineers, you connect communities by developing transport networks. Through your contributions to clean water, sustainable energy and infrastructure development, you provide solutions to society’s pressing needs. The decisions you make and the priorities you set have a significant influence on the kind of society and nation we build.
At the same time, we need a strong research foundation that broadens the knowledge of engineering professionals, creates resources, and facilitates knowledge sharing.
The Government is working to address long-standing challenges in the engineering sector, including the absence of a coherent national policy and a well-structured institutional framework. We are committed to ensuring these efforts. That is why we have introduced a Research and Development (R&D) Policy. Through this policy, we intend to bring together all institutions connected with the engineering sector, mobilize financial resources for research that are relevant to Sri Lanka, and establish a coordinated national framework for research and innovation.
Building a nation is not the responsibility of the Government alone. Governments can formulate laws, policies and institutions, but it is professionals, entrepreneurs, academics, innovators and ordinary citizens who transform those policies into meaningful progress. Together, we must take responsibility for building a nation founded on integrity, competence, mutual support and respect.
Our universities must become centres that generate new knowledge, conduct research and remain accountable to society. By strengthening the connection between academic learning and professional practice, they should also provide young professionals with opportunities to transform their ideas into practical solutions that address the challenges faced by society
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Dr. Prasanna Gunasena, Members of Parliament, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, members of the academic and non-academic staff, and other distinguished invitees.
Prime Minister’s Media Division
