Eng. Niyas S Samad

Bio-Data as submitted & certified by the candidate

Eng. Niyas Samad is a highly experienced Civil Engineer with extensive professional expertise in civil engineering, structural design, project management, and consultancy. He holds a BSc in Civil Engineering from the University of Peradeniya, an MSc in Project Management from eUniversity of Malaysia, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Structural Design from the University of Moratuwa.

Eng. Samad became a Member of the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL) in 1997 and was elevated to Fellow Member in 2018. He has contributed actively to the professional activities of the IESL for more than two decades, serving on the Professional Standards Management Committee (PSMC) and several other standing and subcommittees. He has also served as a Panel Member for Professional Review Examinations, Fellow Interviews, and IPEng Interviews, contributing to the assessment and professional advancement of engineers.

His involvement with the Civil Engineering Sectional Committee (CESC) dates back to 2000. During his tenure, he served as Secretary for two years and subsequently as Chairman for the sessions 2016/2017 and 2017/2018. He has also contributed to the Professional Review Rules Revision Committee and currently serves on the Disciplinary Committee of the IESL.

In addition to his professional and institutional responsibilities, Eng. Samad has demonstrated a strong commitment to mentoring and developing the next generation of engineers. Through the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) pathway, he provides guidance, technical knowledge, and practical training in structural design, supporting Associate Members and other junior engineers in developing the professional competencies required for progression towards Corporate Membership of the IESL. His contribution to professional development reflects his commitment to maintaining high standards of engineering practice and strengthening the engineering profession.

Eng. Samad commenced his professional career in 1987 as a Project Engineer with a leading construction company in Sri Lanka. He subsequently served as a Project Manager for a major Water Supply Scheme in System C of the Mahaweli Development Programme, gaining substantial experience in the planning, coordination, and implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects.

He later served for 12 years at the Department of Buildings, further broadening his experience in public-sector engineering, project implementation, and construction management. Following this, he worked as a Project Manager for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in both Sri Lanka and Pakistan, where he was involved in the management and implementation of projects within an international development and humanitarian context. He has also served as a consultant for foreign-funded projects at the Ministry of Education, contributing his technical expertise to major development initiatives.

Since 2016, Eng. Samad has been practicing as a Consultant Structural Engineer through his own firm, HAJANA Engineering Consultants. Through his professional practice, he continues to provide expertise in structural design, engineering consultancy, project management, and related technical services.

With nearly four decades of professional experience, extensive involvement in the IESL, international project exposure, and a sustained commitment to mentoring and professional development, Eng. Niyas Samad has made a significant contribution to the practice and advancement of the civil and structural engineering profession in Sri Lanka.

Election Statement as submitted & certified by the candidate

My professional experience in civil engineering spans construction, project management, and structural design, with extensive experience gained through projects in Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

I have actively supported Associate Members and junior engineers in their professional development through mentoring and the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) pathway, providing guidance and training in structural design practice and supporting their progression towards Corporate Membership of the IESL.

As a Panel Member for Professional Review, Fellow, and IPEng interviews, I have contributed to the professional assessment and development of engineers at different stages of their careers. As Chairman of the Civil Engineering Sectional Committee, I worked to advance the interests and professional development of members while contributing to the wider engineering profession.

My service on the IESL Council during the 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 sessions has provided me with valuable experience in the governance and affairs of the Institution.

If elected, I will serve with enthusiasm, integrity, and dedication, ensuring that members’ views, needs, and concerns are effectively represented. I am particularly committed to promoting greater awareness and pride in the engineering profession, while supporting the professional growth and development of graduate and student members.