Eng. Chaaminda Weerakoon

Bio-Data as submitted & certified by the candidate

Eng. Chaaminda Weerakoon graduated in 2000 with a BSc (Hons) degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. He subsequently obtained two Postgraduate Diplomas—one in Construction Management from the Open University of Sri Lanka (2010), and the other in Structural Engineering Design from the University of Moratuwa (2011).

He became a Member of the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL) in 2007. He is also a Member of the Society of Structural Engineers, Sri Lanka (since 2008), and the Association of Consulting Engineers, Sri Lanka (since 2011). Over the years, he has undergone extensive professional training in advanced structural design, scaffolding systems, anchoring technologies, and computer-aided modeling both locally and internationally—including programs in Germany, India, China, Malaysia, Dubai, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Maldives.

Eng. Weerakoon began his career in 2000 at the Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau (CECB), where he worked for nearly 14 years and rose to the position of Team Leader cum Project Manager. In 2014, he co-founded Edifice Consultants (Pvt) Ltd, where he now serves as Director and Chief Civil Engineer, heading both the structural design and project management teams.

He has been the QA/QC team head on numerous landmark projects in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. His key contributions include the 45-storey DESTINY TOWER and multiple high-rise relocation projects in Slave Island, the Hilton-Rajawarana Hotel in Weeravila, major infrastructure designs for the BIA Expansion Project, the Defence Headquarters Project in Akuregoda, and the 300MW Combined Cycle Power Plant at Kerawalapitiya. He has also designed several industrial facilities including biomass boiler foundations and large-scale warehouses, and led the construction of a four-storey library complex in Male, Maldives.

Throughout his career, Eng. Weerakoon has demonstrated strong leadership in construction supervision, QA/QC management, and project coordination. His practical experience in both design and field implementation has made him a respected figure in the local engineering community.

Election Statement as submitted & certified by the candidate

I have been practicing as a Chartered Civil Engineer for over 25 years, both in Sri Lanka and overseas, with wide-ranging experience in construction supervision, and project management.

Today, we face a growing mismatch between the increasing number of engineering graduates and the limited availability of structured training. Many young engineers struggle to gain the practical experience required for career advancement. I believe it is the responsibility of the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL), as the premier professional body, to actively create pathways for local training and international opportunities, especially when local job markets are saturated.

If elected, I will use my industry experience and professional networks—both local and international—to facilitate such opportunities. However, this must be a collective effort, led by the Institution.

In addition, I am concerned about the declining standards of professional practice within the industry. Engineering must reclaim its respected status by promoting ethics, quality, and accountability. Strengthening professional conduct—especially among early-career engineers—should be a key focus.

With your support, I will work through IESL to enhance mentorship, expand training frameworks, and elevate the standing of the profession in Sri Lanka and beyond