Eng. (Dr.) Kamal Laksiri

Bio-Data as submitted & certified by the candidate

Dr.Kamal Laksiri’s  Linkedin profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kamal-laksiri-1b8a6820/

Eng. Dr. Kamal Laksiri is a distinguished Sri Lankan engineer with more than three decades of experience in hydropower development, dam engineering, infrastructure development, and professional engineering leadership. He holds a B.Sc. (Eng.) Honours degree from the University of Moratuwa, an MSc. in Hydropower Development from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway, and a PhD from Saga University, Japan.

He began his professional career with a private-sector consultancy firm, where he spent three years contributing to major infrastructure development projects in Sri Lanka and overseas. In 1991, he joined the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), where he developed extensive expertise in hydropower and dam engineering. Over the course of his career at CEB, he has contributed to several major national hydropower projects, including Samanalawewa, Kukule Ganga, Broadlands, and Moragolla, serving in various technical and managerial capacities. He has also served as a Consultant to the Board of CEB. Currently, he works as a Freelance Consultant on retirement after 33 years of service.

Dr. Laksiri has made significant contributions to the engineering profession through his leadership in numerous national and international professional organizations. At the Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL), he has served as Vice President, President-Elect, President, and Past President. He also chaired the IESL Water Forum and was instrumental in establishing the IESL History & Heritage Forum and Sports Club.

He is a Past Chairman of ICE local chapter and the current Country Representative for Sri Lanka of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), UK. He is also a Past President of the Association of Consulting Engineers Sri Lanka (ACESL), Sri Lanka’s national chapter of FIDIC. During his tenure, he played a key role in bringing the FIDIC Asia-Pacific Conference to Colombo in 2018 and pioneered the establishment of the Young Professionals Forum, creating opportunities for young engineers to develop their careers in consulting engineering.

His international professional engagements include serving on the FIDIC Asia Pacific Group (ASPAC) Board and as a FIDIC-trained Adjudicator. He is a Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and was re-elected in 2024 as a Governor of ASCE Region 10 for the 2024–2027 term.

He has also served as Vice President of the Sri Lanka National Committee on Large Dams (SLNCOLD) under ICOLD, and continues to contribute internationally as a member of the International Steering Committee of the HYDRO conference. He is a Trustee of the AMI Foundation, UK, and was recently appointed a Director of the Asian Infrastructure Engineering Corporation Organization.

Dr. Laksiri’s career reflects a sustained commitment to advancing hydropower and dam engineering, infrastructure development, professional excellence, and the development of the next generation of engineers in Sri Lanka and internationally.

Election Statement as submitted & certified by the candidate

It is my strong belief that the Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL), as the apex engineering body in the country, should serve as the umbrella organization representing all engineering practitioners in Sri Lanka.

The engineering profession, including engineering education, is facing significant and rapidly evolving challenges. IESL must respond wisely and proactively by engaging closely and promptly with all relevant stakeholders. At the same time, the need for engineers to play a stronger role in national development, policy, and decision-making has never been greater.

Unfortunately, the engineering profession’s contribution and presence in national affairs remain largely underrepresented. I believe IESL must revisit its role and take the lead in areas where engineering expertise can contribute meaningfully to national development and public welfare.

Drawing on my experience as a senior engineer and my involvement with leading national and international professional bodies, I initiated several programmes during my tenure as President of IESL to address these challenges and strengthen the Institution.

If elected as Past President, I am committed to continuing and advancing these initiatives. My objective is to further strengthen IESL as a unified and influential professional body, enhance the recognition and voice of engineers, and ensure that engineering expertise plays a more meaningful role in shaping Sri Lanka’s future.