Eng. (Major) Thushan Gunarathne

Bio-Data as submitted & certified by the candidate

Eng. K.M.T.K. Gunarathne was graduated with a B.Sc. (Second Upper Class Honours)  in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Peradeniya in 2015, where he was awarded the prestigious L.R.L. Perera Prize for Best Performance in Applied Thermodynamics. He subsequently commissioned into the Sri Lanka Army as a Mechanical Engineer, going on to hold several key leadership and engineering appointments across the organization. Currently holding the rank of Major, he serves as a Building Services Engineer at the Directorate of Engineering Services, Army Headquarters.

Committed to continuous professional development, he actively participates in CPD programs conducted by the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL) and is currently reading for his M.Sc. in Building Services Engineering at the University of Moratuwa. He is a Chartered Engineer and Corporate Member of the IESL (Member No. M-9530) and a registered Green Associate Professional with the Green Building Council of Sri Lanka (GBCSL – Member No. 4815). Additionally, he serves as an accredited TVEC Assessor for Building Services Technology.

With over 10 years of extensive experience in MEP engineering, he serves as a Building Services Design Engineer at the Directorate of Engineering Services, Sri Lanka Army. His technical expertise spans total MEP services design, including Fire Detection and Protection Systems, Plumbing and Drainage, HVAC (Mechanical Ventilation and Air Conditioning), and Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs). Beyond engineering design, he oversees complete project lifecycles through end-to-end project management and rigorous contract administration.

His notable completed projects, including the Defense Headquarters Complex (DHQC) at Akuregoda, comprehensive MEP services design for the Grand Maitland Hotel, and specialized fire detection and protection consultancy for the Ammunition Dump Project. Additionally, he engineered the plumbing systems for two standard 25m × 20m swimming pools in Kurunegala and Kuda Oya, and successfully directed the mechanical rectification of the ceremonial copper door moving mechanism at the Parliament of Sri Lanka.

His current high-profile engagements include full MEP design and consultancy for a 15-story hospital building and a 5-story married quarters complex, both in Narahenpita, alongside an 8-story officers’ accommodation facility at Akuregoda. He is also actively contributing to the landmark Refurbishment Project of  Sri Lanka Parliament  executed by the Sri Lanka Army.

Additionally, he is an active member of the Building Services Engineering Sectional Committee (BSESC) for the 2025/2026 session. Serving as the Team Leader for the BSESC Techno stall, he led the committee to win the Gold Award for the Best Sectional Committee at Techno 2025.

Having commenced his career in 2015 as a Mechanical Engineer in the Sri Lanka Army, he has continually advanced his academic and professional qualifications through 2026. Over the past decade, he has developed strong leadership, managerial, and mentorship capabilities, earning a reputation as an energetic, reliable, and loyal professional. He remains deeply committed to upholding the highest standards of the engineering profession and strictly adheres to the Code of Ethics established by the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL).

For the 2026/2027 session, he is seeking election as a Representative Member (Below 40) of the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL), where he is committed to dedicating his expertise to driving institutional growth, capacity building, and professional development.

Election Statement as submitted & certified by the candidate

My experience includes over 10 years of MEP project management, contract administration, and technical design across landmark national infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka. As a Chartered Engineer (M-9530), a Major in the Sri Lanka Army, and a GBCSL Green Associate Professional, I have directed high-stakes projects, including the Defense Headquarters Complex (DHQC), the Sri Lanka Parliament refurbishment, and multi-story Hospital facilities.

Academically, I graduated from the University of Peradeniya, winning the prestigious L.R.L. Perera Prize, and am currently reading for my M.Sc. at the University of Moratuwa. I have actively served the Institution as a member of the Building Services Engineering Sectional Committee (BSESC) for the 2025/2026 session, where I led the Techno stall team to win the Gold Award.

I would continue to bring into the Council my broad industry experience, military leadership, and managerial capabilities. I am confident that I possess the skills to support the institution in its business-like approach, driving capacity building and professional development.

If elected as a Representative Member (Below 40) for the 2026/2027 session, I will undertake this role with enthusiasm. I am dedicated to representing young members’ views, upholding the IESL Code of Ethics, and fostering professional pride among graduates.