Bio-Data as submitted & certified by the candidate
Eng. Manjula Samarasinghe, a Civil Engineer by profession, serves as a Deputy General Manager at Sri Lanka Telecom PLC. He graduated from the University of Moratuwa and further expanded his expertise with a MBA, Pro, Mgt. He is a CAD professional from CDAC Mohali & an Associate Green Professional.
Eng. Manjula began his professional career at the Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau (2001), and then joined Sri Lanka Telecom PLC as a Project Engineer (2006).
Eng. Manjula served as a Council member from 2018-2020 & has been actively involved with the Institution for several years, significantly contributing to various committees. Since 2016, been a member of the Finance and Procurement, Professional Affairs, Professional Standards Management, Library & Publication, and the Techno Committee too for several years. Additionally, he had been an elected member of the By-laws Revision Committee since 2017. He has also been an elected Forum Member of the Organization of Professional Associations for several years.
Through collaboration with Sectional Committees and engineers, he has led initiatives like membership drives, seminars, workshops, and competitions, thereby increasing member engagement and elevating IESL’s public profile.
Further, as the Secretary of the Civil Engineering Sectional Committee and the Chair of the Infrastructure Development Committee from 2016 to 2018, attended numerous physical improvements at the Secretariat. Installation of a grid-connected solar system, classroom enhancements, new washroom facilities, implementation of 5S concepts, BOS, upgrading the canteen, members’ waiting, rest & discussion area, improvements to the Centenary Building, space survey with the YMS for optimum utilization, improvement to the electrical & sound systems, and various other initiatives, including the development of two main auditoriums. Coordinating with the CMC and UDA and collaborating with the Lions Club in front of the Centenary Building, he resolved the parking issue of the IESL.
He also served as the Project Manager for the Ragama Hospital Eye and Cardiology Theatres’ units, which was part of the ESG of CESC. Additionally, he initiated a financial assistance program for underprivileged students, which added significant value to the institution.
His contributions to the FEISCA Regional Conference, National Engineering Conference, and JIY competitions during the 2016-18 period added significant value. He served as the Deputy Chairman of Techno2023 and the Event Chairman of Engineers’ Night 2024, demonstrating his commitment to the engineering profession and community.
He has played a pivotal role in advancing the engineering community by fostering communication and leadership skills among engineers. He served as President of the IESL Toastmasters Club and progressed to roles as Area Director and Assistant Division Director. Additionally, he led the Sri Lanka Telecom Engineers’ Union (TEU) as President for the past two years, representing around 500 professional engineers who make up 95% of the company’s management.
Opposing the unfair income tax imposed on professionals recently and contributions as an editorial board member for the proposal “A Fair, Transparent, and Accountable Taxation System for Sri Lanka,” prepared by the Professionals’ Union Alliance, have been recognized at various forums.
He actively engaged in resolving legitimate challenges faced by engineers in coordination with the Engineering Council and the IESL, providing valuable input to legal cases being heard at the Supreme Court.
Election Statement as submitted & certified by the candidate
We have a duty and responsibility to uphold and enhance the standards of the IESL, ensuring the highest professional standing as members. Only engineers with genuine interest, passion, and influence over the engineering profession should guide and govern their peers. In this role, I aim to make IESL more responsive to the interests and needs of its members. I promise to be a voice for everyone, advocating for change, modernization, and positive improvements within the institution.
I will leverage my extensive experience from serving on various committees, my proven leadership activities, and my continuous professional practice in the industry to inform my efforts.
I strongly believe that as engineers, we are the architects of the future. Our work shapes the world, from the infrastructure that supports our cities to the technologies that connect us globally. We solve problems, push boundaries, and transform visions into reality. Today, more than ever, our role is critical in addressing the challenges faced by our community.
With the election as the Honorary Treasurer, I pledge to transparently prepare the revenue and expenditure plan for the new financial year, prioritizing the needs of the membership and enhancing existing services & initiated activities. I will collaborate with the Council, the F&P Committee, and financial experts to improve accounting and reporting procedures at the Secretariat. Additionally, I will seek members’ input and promote policies for greater accountability of funds.
I am determined and persistent, and with your support, I believe we can achieve our common goals as engineers.
