Eng. Asantha Sumanarathna

Bio-Data as submitted & certified by the candidate

Eng. Asantha G. Sumanarathna graduated in 1983 with a BSc degree in Engineering from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. He obtained a Master of Engineering Science degree from the University of Melbourne, Australia in 1994. He also followed an MBA program at the University of Colombo in 2004.

He became a Corporate Member of the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL) in 1991 and is also an Affiliate Member of Institution of Engineers Australia. He received his secondary education at Dharmaraja College, Kandy.

Eng. Sumanarathna began his career in 1984 as an Engineer at the Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau (CECB), where he contributed to three major hydropower projects under the Mahaweli Development Programme over a period of six and a half years. In 1990, he joined the Industrial Development Board (IDB) and served in various capacities including Resident Director of the Appropriate Technology Research and Development Centre and Acting Chief Engineer. During this period, he led initiatives in the design and fabrication of agricultural machinery.

From 1998 to 2004, he served as a Process Engineer at the United Arab Can Manufacturing Company in Saudi Arabia, overseeing lid manufacturing operations. Returning to Sri Lanka, he assumed the role of Deputy General Manager at the State Engineering Corporation from 2005 to 2007, managing nationwide engineering projects.

Subsequently, he served as Project Director at the Ministry of Science and Technology (2007–2010), leading two key national initiatives: the Gamma Irradiator Facility at Biyagama FTZ and the new ITI Headquarters at Malabe. He then served as General Manager / CEO of Lanka Phosphate Ltd. in Eppawala (2010–2011), and as Engineering Manager at South Asia Gateway Terminals (2011–2013), where he was responsible for maintenance of all container handling equipment.

Between 2014 and 2015, he worked as Project Director at the Ministry of Law and Order, heading the Police Headquarters Building Project. From 2015 to 2019, he was Deputy General Manager at the Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation (SLLRDC). He later served as Project Director at the Ministry of Irrigation from 2019 until his retirement in 2021, leading the Basnagoda Reservoir Project.

Following his retirement from public service, he joined CINEC Campus, Malabe, as a Senior Lecturer in Engineering Management.

Eng. Sumanarathna has held several key leadership roles in professional and community organizations. He served as Chairman of the Mechanical Engineering Sectional Committee of the IESL for three consecutive years and was elected to the IESL Council for four terms. He has also served as Vice President of the Melbourne Council for Overseas Students and is currently President of the Millennium City Residents’ Forum in Athurugiriya and Vice president of IESL sports club.

He has contributed to engineering education as a visiting lecturer at the University of Peradeniya and served on advisory committees of the Export Development Board and Sri Lanka Transport Board.

Election Statement as submitted & certified by the candidate

I am a professionally qualified engineer with over 40 years of multidisciplinary experience in public and private sector organizations, both locally and overseas. I graduated from the University of Peradeniya in 1983 and hold a Master of Engineering Science from the University of Melbourne.

I became a Corporate Member of IESL in 1991 and have actively contributed to the Institution, including serving four terms on the Council and chairing the Mechanical Engineering Sectional Committee for three consecutive years.

Throughout my career, I have led national-scale engineering projects across hydropower, infrastructure, and industrial sectors. I also served as Project Director in multiple ministries, managing large-scale development programs.

Internationally, I have held responsibilities in engineering paternity in Saudi Arabia, Germany and Finland.

Currently working as a Senior Lecturer at CINEC Campus, I am committed to nurturing future engineers.

I bring to the Council a blend of field experience, leadership, and a passion for promoting engineering excellence. If elected, I will focus on enhancing professional development opportunities, promoting ethical practice, and strengthening collaboration between industry and academia. I am dedicated to serving the Institution and the profession with integrity and vision.