METH MIHIRA 2018

According to the World Report on Disability, approximately one billion people in the world are living with a disability, with at least 1 in 10 being children and 80% living in developing countries. "Meth Mihira" is an event that we, civil engineering society organize in order to make a difference at least for a single day in such differently-abled children’s life.

Meth Mihira 2018 was held on 19th of February at the Civil Auditorium at 12noon. The event was commenced with welcome address and lighting of the oil lamp by the dignitaries. Dr.R.U.Halwatura, Prof.J.M.SJ.Bandara, Prof.S.A.S.Kulathilaka, Prof. (Mrs.)C.Jayasinghe, Dr.(Mrs.)J.C.P.H.Gamage, Dr.R.L.H.L.Rajapakse, Dr.(Mrs.)A.S.Ranathunga, Dr.(Mrs.)D.Nanayakkara, Prof.W.K.Mampearachchi, Dr.(Ms.)W.B.Gunawardan, Prof.M.T.R.Jayasinghe, and instructors of the Civil Department participated in the event and gave a great support to make the event success.

Then we entertained with those kids by performing musical events. Then kids performed a dance as a group which they have already prepared for that day. Their performance was marvelous and was appreciated by all of us.

Then they were led to the ground in front of the Civil Department for the fun events. They took part in games very enthusiastically and were happy in playing with us. After the play time, we brought them to the common area to have lunch. After having lunch they were again led back to the Civil Auditorium. Kids sang songs and danced with all of us. They enjoyed that moment and each of them eagerly came forward to sing and dance.

Finally, we gave gifts to all the kids and also donated two fans for that school. Incharge mistress of that school thanked us for making that day a special one for those innocent kids. Around 5 pm, the event was brought to an end and kids were sent back to their school safely by university bus. The event was successfully completed by making one day in their life with full of happiness, fun, and amusement. 

Guest Lecture - Kaluganga Reservoir Project

A guest lecture on Kaluganga reservoir head works development project was held on 30^th January 2018 at 4.30 p.m at the Civil Auditorium. The meeting was organized by the Civil Engineering Society of the University of Moratuwa.

The main speaker was the Eng. G.H.L Kumarasiri (Master of Engineering in Water Resources, Development, University of Roorkee, India). Mr.Janith Nipuna welcome all the participants warmly and Mr.Thanura Hasantha coordinated the event. Dr.W.B.Gunawardhana also participated in the program. 

 

Project details, features, construction process and difficulties were discussed.

Basic details of the project:

Ø  Employer - Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment

Ø  Engineer – Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau

Ø  Contractor – Sinohydro Corporation Limited

Ø  Contract amount – approximately LKR 13.0 Billion

Ø  Project period – 4.5 years

Ø  Location – Matale, Central province

The main expected benefit of the project was transferring 100 MCM of water annually to Moragahakanda reservoir to fulfill downstream demands of Moragahakanda reservoir. Irrigation water is supplied to 4000 Ha. of existing and new lands in Kaluganga basin. There are some environmental benefits such as flood control, the supply of drinking water and inland fishery. Future power benefits using the available water head of the reservoir is also considered.

Then he explained about salient features of Kaluganga Project. Some of them are reservoir, main dam, saddle dam, spillway, diversion tunnel, bottom outlet tunnel, left bank irrigation outlet tunnel, transfer canal outlet tunnel and transfer tunnel.

Students from all the batches of the department of civil engineering participated for the event. 

The inaugural meeting of SSESL- Student Chapter

The Society of Structural Engineers- Sri Lanka which was established in the year 1990 is the leading professional body which serves the field of Structural Engineering in Sri Lanka. Extending its services for the undergraduates who are willing to serve the nation as structural engineers in the future, SSESL has taken a step forward to initiate a student chapter of SSESL at the University of Moratuwa. The Inaugural general meeting was held on 29 th of January at the Civil Engineering Auditorium with the participation of the Vice-president Eng.Nandana Abeysuriya, Assistant Secretary Eng. Tharangika Jayasuriya and Chairman of the Public relations committee Eng. Samitha Jayakody of SSESL. Dr. Chinthaka Mallikarachchi participated as the representative of the University of Moratuwa.

The ceremony was organized by the Civil Engineering Society and was commenced with the welcome speech by CES President, Sasith Karunarathne. Eng. Nandana Abeysuriya delivered his speech emphasizing the benefits of SSESL and the student chapter to undergraduates. Eng. Tharangika Jayasuriya spoke further about SSESL. Afterward inaugural executive committee of the student chapter was appointed. In this occasion, students has been given the chance to obtain their student membership for SSESL. The event was concluded successfully with the vote of thanks given by the newly appointed secretary.

With the establishment of this student chapter, undergraduates will be taken a chance to coordinate with giants in the Structural engineering field and will be given the opportunity to obtain knowledge and exposure to the industry through various seminars and other events which will be organized in collaboration with SSESL.

The inaugural Executive committee is as follows:

Ø  Advisory panel:

·         Eng. K. L. S. Sahabandu (President - SSESL)

·         Eng.  Nandana Abeysuriya (Vice President - SSESL)

·         Eng. Tharangika Jayasuriya (Asst. Secretary SSESL)

Ø  Senior Treasurer: Dr.  Chinthaka Mallikarachchi

Ø  President: Ruchintha Kodikara (Level 4)

Ø  Vice President: Hasini Weerasinghe (Level 4)

Ø  Secretary: Amaya Kahaduwa (Level 4)

Ø  Junior Treasurer: Devmini Kularatne (Level 4)

Ø  Committee members:

·         Bryan Eric (Level 4)

·         Rajeendra Godakandage (Level 4)

·         Randil Samuditha (Level 3)

·         Bemalka Senath (Level 3)

·         Tharindu Dissanayake (Level 2)