Eng. Janaka Lakmewan

Bio-Data as submitted & certified by the candidate

Eng. K.J. Lakmewan is a Chartered Electrical Engineer with over 12 years of experience in the power sector, with a commitment to engineering excellence, innovation, and national progress.

He graduated from the University of Moratuwa with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in 2014 and completed his master’s degree in electrical Installation in 2019. He also holds an Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting from CIMA, adding management and financial knowledge.

Eng. Lakmewan joined the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL) in 2014 and obtained membership as a Chartered Electrical Engineer in 2019 and International Professional Engineer status in 2024. He served as a Representative Member (Below 40) of the IESL Council during the 2024/25 and 2025/26 sessions and as Chairman of the IESL JIY UIY Forum during both sessions. He is also a member of the Engineering Council of Sri Lanka (ECSL) and he has served as a member of EETESC in 2019/20, 2022/23 and 2025/26, and YMS in 2019/20 and 2020/21.

As Chairman of JIY UIY, he contributed to strengthening IESL’s role in promoting innovation and engineering among school and university students. By strengthening the platform, increasing participation, and encouraging young innovators, the JIY UIY competitions achieved the highest participation in their history. This strengthened connections between IESL, young innovators, schools, universities, and the engineering community, while enabling young minds to transform ideas into solutions.

Professionally, Eng. Lakmewan commenced his career as a Design Engineer at Amithi Power Consultant (Pvt) Ltd in 2014 and joined the Ceylon Electricity Board in 2015. He began as an Operations Engineer at the Lakvijaya Power Plant and subsequently served as an Electrical Maintenance Engineer at the Sapugaskanda Power Station. Currently, he serves as Chief Engineer – Grid Substation Construction Projects in the Engineering, Procurement and Construction Branch of NTNSP (formerly CEB). His experience covers technical engineering, project management, construction, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of power sector facilities.

His professional contribution also extends to the Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers’ Union, where he served as Joint Secretary during the term of 2023/24 and as a member of the Executive Committee during several terms. He has also served as Convener of the Power Sector Reform Committee for consecutive terms.

Eng. Lakmewan has contributed to engineering knowledge through publications, including his research paper on the simulation-based determination of optimum fast-valving settings for enhancing steam turbine frequency stability, published in the Journal of IESL. He contributes to engineering education as a visiting lecturer and resource person.

His professional interests include power generation, power system economics, electrical installation design, commissioning and maintenance, electrical safety, renewable energy, and energy management. He is a certified lead Auditor for ISO 50001:2018 Energy Management Systems and an NDT Level II certified Infrared Thermography Surveyor.

With his experience in industry, professional bodies, academia, and youth innovation, Eng. K.J. Lakmewan continues to strengthen the engineering profession, promote innovation, empower young engineers, and contribute to the sustainable development of Sri Lanka.

Election Statement as submitted & certified by the candidate

With over a decade of professional experience in the power sector and active involvement in IESL, particularly in the development of young engineers and undergraduates, I am committed to advancing the following key priorities if elected as the Representative Member (below 40) of the Council,

1. Strengthening Professionalism

Promote engineering ethics, competence, accountability, and professional excellence, while enhancing the recognition and value of the engineering profession.

• Empowering Young Engineers

Strengthen opportunities for young engineers and student members through mentoring, professional development, industry exposure, innovation, and stronger academia–industry collaboration.

• Promoting Innovation for National Development

Encourage engineering-led innovation, emerging technologies, sustainability, and practical solutions to support Sri Lanka’s economic and technological advancement.

Having served IESL in several capacities, including being a council member, I believe in listening to the engineering community, working collaboratively, and converting ideas into meaningful outcomes.

As a council member, I will serve with passion, ensuring your voice and concerns are heard and addressed. I am committed to promoting and elevating our profession, particularly among young engineers and student members. Together, let’s build a future where engineering thrives and leads our country towards sustainable growth.