Bio-Data as submitted & certified by the candidate
Educational & Professional Qualifications
Eng. M.G. Hemachandra graduated with a B.Sc. (Honors) in Civil Engineering and earned an MBA, in Infrastructure Regulation and Project Management. He holds diplomas in Management and Commercial Arbitration. He also learned Project Management and FIDIC modules, from the AIM, Philippines. He is a trained mediator from the Singapore Mediation Centre.
Involvement with the Institution
His journey with the Institution began in 2002, culminating in Chartered Qualifications in 2009. He served on the Council from 2010 until 2017 as a representative member below 40 and above 40, after that, he served as Honorary Treasurer for three years. He then led the Agricultural and Plantation Engineering Sectional Committee for three years. He contributed to the Professional Affairs and Finance & Procurement Committees, showing unwavering dedication to the Institution. He also led the Education Policy Subcommittee in drafting the first Engineering and Technical Education Policy at the IESL level.
During the Corvid 19 pandemic period when the country was locked down, he observed the farmers’ problems and spearheaded the development of a digital platform for Mahaweli Farmers drawing from his JICA agriculture project experiences. His team developed a demonstrative app to integrate agriculture value and supply chain specially addressing quality and marketing issues. http://www.dailynews.lk/2020/04/25/finance/217163/engineering-team-develops-digital-platform-mahaweli-farmers He has been devoted to institution activities for the last fifteen years and is the voice of securing our engineer’s rights in many forums.
He founded the IESL Policy Forum under the guidance of then-president Prof. Niranjanie Ratnayake in 2018. The forum provides a platform for discussing national policies, pressuring the government, and helping engineers become national policymakers. He also played a key role in securing engineers’ rights at CIDA, protecting their roles and capacities. Additionally, he actively supports engineers on issues related to public service, the east terminal of SLPA, and recent developments at CEB.
He has not found shortcuts but has worked hard for over 15 years in the council and institution to contest this esteemed position, which provides an enabling environment for serving our members effectively.
Articles Published in the News Paper
He contributed to newspapers, he pens compelling pieces on infrastructure financing, regulation, and PPP. Notable works like ‘How to Develop Our Infrastructure’ (Daily FT) and ‘Way Forward in Developing Sri Lanka’s Infrastructure’ (Sunday Times) advocate strategic infrastructures for national benefit. With expertise in ‘Enhancing Sri Lanka’s International Gateway’ and ‘Policy Dilemma in Drinking Water Supply Services and the Plight of Public Service Engineers,’ his insights are invaluable.
Employment
He began his career as a Project Engineer at CECB, playing a vital role in constructing the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council Building Complex. Later, he moved to NWSDB, serving until 2009 and making significant contributions to the Kalu Ganga Water Supply Project Phase-1 Stage-1, Planning and Design Division, and Water Supply Project Division.
In 2009, he joined the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), where he held various roles and rose to the esteemed position of Chief of Loan Projects by 2022. He had been in charge of diverse sectors within JICA’s Sri Lanka office, including Water Supply and Sanitation, Ports, Airports, Irrigation, Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries. Notably, he facilitated training programs in Japan for our engineers since 2009. He left JICA in February 2024 and now works as a freelance consultant.
Election Statement as submitted & certified by the candidate
Over the past fourteen years, I have actively contributed to the Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL) in various capacities. Understanding IESL as a premier Membership body and thinking beyond that is vital without deviating from original objectives.
I have never sought shortcuts; instead, I have diligently worked hard for over 15 years in the Council to gain the necessary knowledge and skills for contesting the present position. Believing in the transformative power of engineering to improve lives and society, I am eager to utilize my experience for the betterment of our institution and its members.
As the Vice President, I envision four essential pillars as explained below:
- Empower members through continuous professional development, knowledge sharing, networking, upskilling, and collaboration during this economic crisis.
- Find avenues for our members to make better contributions for regaining economic stability amidst the present economic crisis.
- Upholding the highest ethics and professionalism, I will advocate for engineering excellence and best practices, both locally and internationally.
- Establish the contribution of our engineers by recognizing engineering as a service to society.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your trust and support. Let us unite to build upon the legacy of excellence that the IESL represents, propelling our institution to new heights and leaving a lasting impact on the engineering profession and society in Sri Lanka.
