Eng. Gayanath Rathnayaka

Bio-Data as submitted & certified by the candidate

Eng. Gayanath Rathnayaka graduated in 2006 with a BScEng (Hons) degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Moratuwa. He obtained his PGDip in Building Services Engineering from the University of Moratuwa in 2012 and his MBA from Anglia Ruskin University, UK, in 2018.

He joined IESL in 2007 as an Associate Member and became a Corporate Member in 2020. He has been an active member of the Mechanical Engineering Sectional Committee (MESC) of IESL since 2015 and served as the Secretary of the MESC for the 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 sessions. He also served as a Council Member of IESL for the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 sessions. From 2018 to 2022, he was actively involved in the Young Members Section (YMS). In addition to his contributions to MESC and YMS, he has been a member of the PSMC and PAC from the 2020/2021 session to date, and he also serves on several subcommittees.

Upon graduating in 2006, he began his career as a Mechanical Engineer at the Central Workshop of Maga Engineering (Pvt) Ltd. In 2009, he joined Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDPLC) as a Ship Repair Engineer and later held various positions, including Engineer (Hull Construction), Senior Engineer (Hull Construction), and Head of Section (Machinery Outfitting). He served as both the Hull Erection Engineer and Head of the Machinery Outfitting and Pipe Outfitting Department for the largest ship ever built in Sri Lanka. He is currently the Assistant Production Manager (NC Planning & Machinery Outfitting) at CDPLC. In addition to his engineering and managerial responsibilities, he has served as the Secretary of the Sri Lanka Dock Engineering Association—the engineers’ trade union at CDPLC—for three consecutive years. This association operates as a politically unbiased professional body rather than a politically driven trade union.

Passionate about automobile engineering, he has participated in various public education initiatives on vehicle maintenance in line with manufacturers’ recommendations. He has delivered several public lectures on hybrid and electric vehicle maintenance at Techno. Under his leadership, a team from the MESC published the booklet “Car Maintenance – Your Guide” during Techno 2017, under the theme “Do it Right, Do What’s Needed – Save Money, Save the Planet.”

Election Statement as submitted & certified by the candidate

I am a practical professional in the field of engineering who respects engineering ethics, empathy, and the power of meritocracy. As a pragmatist, I apply critical thinking to develop solutions rather than wasting time on lengthy arguments filled with personal arrogance, distrust, and the belief that one knows everything. I believe in the value of technology and systematic approaches to deliver engineered conveniences that benefit everyone.

The IESL increasingly needs motivated young professionals to work under the guidance of senior members to uplift Sri Lanka’s engineering profession and education. I am confident in my ability to represent members over 40 in the Council. If elected, I will enthusiastically take on this responsibility, commit to supporting the views and concerns of members, and strengthen the connection between the IESL, its members, undergraduates, school leavers, students, and ultimately, the people of Sri Lanka.