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.

- Dr. Thilina Weerasinghe and Dr. Samanthi Seneviratne

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