Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya highlighted the role of engineering in solving societal problems while addressing the need for stronger research frameworks and institutional coordination in the sector.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stressed that quality engineering must be rooted in serving all members of society without discrimination, speaking at the Engineering Excellence Awards Ceremony organized by the University of Peradeniya alumni on Wednesday in Battaramulla. The event recognized distinguished professionals and entrepreneurs from the Faculty of Engineering who have contributed significantly to the profession.
In her address, the Prime Minister acknowledged the historical contributions of Peradeniya engineers across multiple sectors, from infrastructure and energy to telecommunications and digital technology. However, she emphasized that engineering extends beyond physical structures and machinery. "Engineering should be about solving human problems," she stated, noting that the field's fundamental purpose involves improving people's lives through solutions addressing society's pressing needs.
The Prime Minister outlined government initiatives to strengthen the engineering sector, citing longstanding gaps including the absence of a cohesive national policy and structured institutional framework. She announced the introduction of a Research and Development Policy designed to unite engineering-related institutions, mobilize research resources relevant to Sri Lanka, and establish a coordinated national framework for innovation.
Amarasuriya emphasized that nation-building requires collaboration beyond government, involving professionals, entrepreneurs, academics, and innovators. She called on universities to function as centers generating new knowledge while maintaining accountability to society, and urged strengthening connections between academic learning and professional practice to enable young professionals to develop practical solutions addressing contemporary challenges.
