Eng. Mahesh Dematagolla

Bio-Data as submitted & certified by the candidate

Eng. Mahesh Dematagolla graduated in 2008 with a BSc (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Peradeniya. He later earned a MSc in Building Services Engineering from the same university in 2020 and completed a Master’s in Water and Sanitation Management at AgroParisTech University, France in 2024. He is currently pursuing an MBA at Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, further strengthening his academic and professional foundation.

He became an Associate Member of the IESL in 2009 and was elected as a Member in 2020. He presently serves as a Council Member of IESL for the 2022/2023, 2023/2024, and 2025/2026 terms, and as an Active Member of the Membership Benefit Committee for the 2025/2026 session. In 2020, he was awarded Lifetime Corporate Membership of the Sri Lanka Energy Managers Association, where he also served as a Co-opted Member during the 2024/2025 session. Since 2022, he has been a Corporate Member of the Institution of Automotive Engineers Sri Lanka.

Eng. Dematagolla achieved the status of Green Associate Professional of the Green Building Council of Sri Lanka in 2022 and is a Registered Building Services Engineer in water supply, drainage, and plumbing at IESL. He also contributes to vocational education as a TVEC Assessor for NVQ Levels 4, 5, and 6, and as a Temporary Lecturer at CETRAC, specializing in NVQ Courses 5 and 6. In addition, he holds the prestigious title of Justice of the Peace for the Whole Island, Sri Lanka.

His professional engagement extends to leadership in associations. He served as Secretary of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) Engineers’ Union from 2019 to 2022 and again in 2025/2026. He has been a member of Toastmasters International since 2020 and previously held the position of Secretary of the NWSDB Toastmasters Club during the 2020/2021 term.

Eng. Dematagolla’s career began in 2008 as a Mechanical Engineer with the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka, contributing to the Moragahakanda and Kaluganga Reservoir Project until 2013. He then joined the NWSDB, serving on the Asian Development Bank–assisted Dry Zone Urban Water & Sanitation Project in Puttalam. In 2014, he transitioned to the Greater Kurunegala Water Supply & Sewerage Project, and in 2017 moved to the Mechanical & Electrical Division at NWSDB headquarters, working in the Energy Management Section. He later served as Senior Mechanical Engineer for the Sanitation Hygiene Initiative Project. Currently, he holds the position of Chief Engineer in the Water Reclamation Division at NWSDB headquarters.

Election Statement as submitted & certified by the candidate

My experience spans Building Services and Mechanical Engineering across a wide range of projects in Srilanka. With over 18 years of service as a Mechanical Engineer, I have developed expertise in the design and operation of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants. I have also actively contributed to the profession by serving as Secretary of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) Engineers’ Union from 2019 to 2022 and again in 2025/2026.

Currently, I serve as a Council Member of IESL for the 2022/2023, 2023/2024, and 2025/2026 terms and as an Active Member of the Membership Benefit Committee, and as a Co‑opted Member of the Sri Lanka Energy Managers Association for the 2024/2025 session. I aim to bring my extensive experience from both industry and academia to the Council, and I am confident in my ability to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of engineering professionals in Sri Lanka.

If elected to the Council, I will work collaboratively with fellow members to ensure that engineers play a pivotal role in shaping national policies and strategies for the country’s development. Furthermore, I will actively engage in IESL initiatives to promote the professional growth of its members while safeguarding their rights and privileges.