Eng. Samantha Gunawardana

Bio-Data as submitted & certified by the candidate

Eng. Samantha Gunawardana is a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL), with over 35 years of professional experience in the construction sector. He obtained his BSc Engineering degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Peradeniya in 1991, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management from the University of Moratuwa in 2011 and a Diploma in Commercial Arbitration from the Institute for the Development of Commercial Law and Practice (ICLP) in 2014.

His professional career encompasses the full spectrum of Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) services, with experience in engineering design, project management, construction and commissioning of building projects. His portfolio includes the Bandaranaike International Airport Development Project and high-rise commercial and residential developments in Colombo. His international experience extends to MEP projects in Japan, the Maldives, East Africa, the Middle East and other Asian countries.

In 2010, he joined Diesel & Motor Engineering PLC (DIMO) as General Manager and was subsequently appointed Chief Technology Officer (CTO), a position he continues to hold. His career combines extensive engineering practice with corporate leadership and strategic management in the engineering and technology sectors.

Eng. Gunawardana has made contributions to the IESL. He has served two (02) sessions as Vice President of IESL, including the ongoing 2025/26 session. He has also served as Chairman of IESL Standing Committees, namely the Education Committee and the CPD Committee, making contributions towards strengthening engineering education for university students and professional development of IESL members. He has also served on numerous standing committees and professional review panels, contributing to the development of Chartered Engineer evaluation criteria, organization evaluations, revision of Professional Review Guidelines and other initiatives relating to professional standards and engineering practice.

He also served six (06) sessions as Chairman of the Building Services Engineering Sectional Committee (BSESC). Under his leadership, the BSESC was recognized as the Best Sectional Committee of the IESL during all six (06) sessions.

He has been actively involved in professional education and capacity building, lecturing IESL CPD programs and contributing to curriculum development. He also serves as a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Moratuwa, contributing to postgraduate programs including the MSc in Electrical Installations and MSc in Building Services Engineering.

In January 2025, the Council of IESL nominated him to represent IESL on the Engineering Council, Sri Lanka (ECSL), where he contributes to matters relating to the regulation of engineering practice, professional standards and the advancement of the engineering profession.

He has also represented IESL in several national-level professional and regulatory initiatives and on committees of the UDA, CIDA and Ministries, contributing his experience and expertise to matters concerning engineering practice, professional recognition, public safety and the development of the built environment. His professional interests include engineering standards and regulations, policy formulation, professional development, public safety and the advancement of engineering practice in Sri Lanka.

With a career spanning professional engineering practice, corporate leadership, engineering education, professional regulation, and service to IESL, Eng. Gunawardana continues to contribute to the advancement of the engineering profession and the engineering community in Sri Lanka.

Election Statement as submitted & certified by the candidate

I am honoured to offer myself for election to the position of President-Elect of the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka.

Having served on the IESL Council, including two sessions as Vice President and six sessions as Chairman of a Sectional Committee, I have worked closely with successive Presidents, President-Elects, Vice Presidents, Standing Committees and the Secretariat. This experience has given me a broad understanding of the Institution’s work, challenges and priorities.

IESL is presently at a critical juncture. The professional standing of Engineers, engineering education, statutory recognition, government recruitment and career progression, and the evolving regulatory framework require sustained engagement. My involvement with ECSL since January 2025, together with my participation in professional and regulatory matters, has provided me with first-hand experience of these challenges.

I believe the President-Elect should provide continuity and momentum to the Institution’s work. Important initiatives cannot afford to lose momentum with each change of leadership. Building on the work of the present Council, we must strengthen professional recognition, advance engineering education, improve member services, embrace digital transformation, and ensure that engineering remains central to public safety and national development.

I respectfully seek your support to continue serving IESL and, with commitment and experience, take our Institution and the engineering profession to the next level.

I respectfully seek your support to continue serving IESL and to contribute, with commitment and experience, towards taking our Institution and the engineering profession to the next level.