• Thathsara Nanayakkara on driving Lankan engineering forward through collaboration

The world around us is engineered in all aspects. In the most traditional sense, engineering is when science and creativity intersect to solve problems. From building infrastructure that supports modern life to designing technology that powers our future, engineers play a critical role in addressing society’s most pressing challenges. 

Engineering is about creating sustainable solutions that improve the quality of life, drive economic growth, and inspire the next generation of innovators and inventors.

As a discipline, engineering encompasses a wide range of fields including mechanical, electrical, civil, and software engineering, each contributing uniquely to progress and development. 

What makes engineering particularly valuable is its impact on every aspect of our lives; transportation systems, healthcare advancements, renewable energy solutions, and even the devices we use daily are all products of engineering ingenuity. Engineers are not just builders or designers; they are visionaries who turn ideas into reality, solving complex problems and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

This week, The Sunday Morning Brunch had a chat with engineer Thathsara Nanayakkara, who has been recognised by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), UK for his work in inspiring other young engineers while becoming Sri Lanka’s youngest IET-registered Chartered Engineer himself. 

Seeing the Lankan flag fly high globally is always inspiring, and this was what drove Thathsara to apply for the Paul Fletcher Medal at the ‘IET Achievement Awards,’ an honour that recognises professionals who have made significant contributions to engineering and technology. 

“This year, applications were received from over 150 countries, with the evaluation process focusing on how young engineers have collaborated and contributed to the engineering community and supported their peers,” Thathsara shared. 

Pioneering as a young professional

Thathsara was one of the top-three finalists, representing Sri Lanka alongside engineers from India, Canada, and the UK at the awards ceremony in London. 

“I didn’t think I would qualify when I applied but receiving the email confirming my shortlisting was a moment of pride. It was an honour to stand before a global audience and showcase Sri Lanka’s engineering talent,” he said. 

Thathsara was recognised as a top early-career professional – those under 35 years who have shown excellence worldwide. 

His engineering journey is marked by impactful projects, including developing an energy-efficient smart control system for street lighting in Sri Lanka and an object-tracking combat First-Person View (FPV) drone for military operations. 

Thathsara was shortlisted for the Paul Fletcher Medal for his remarkable commitment to advancing engineering and technology as a young engineer. As the youngest International Professional Registration Advisor in Sri Lanka, he mentors aspiring engineers to get their Chartered Engineer qualification not only in Sri Lanka but also internationally. His dynamic leadership and advocacy exemplify impactful contributions to the engineering community.

Thathsara is one of the youngest Chartered Engineers in Sri Lanka, a milestone usually achieved by Sri Lankan engineers in their late 30s or 40s, but which Thathsara achieved at just 30. To his knowledge, Thathsara is the youngest Sri Lankan to have become a Chartered Engineer.

To qualify, engineers must demonstrate mastery across 17 core competencies and sub-competencies, including technical expertise, regulatory compliance, leadership, and welfare. 

Reflecting on this process, Thathsara explained: “In Sri Lanka, engineers are highly skilled but often delay pursuing Chartered Engineer qualifications until later in their careers. This is partly due to day-to-day work demands and a lack of emphasis on international collaboration. 

“Becoming a Chartered Engineer requires a lot of interest and preparation. You need to write a detailed report, face interviews, and meet global standards.” 

While other countries usually see engineers become Chartered Engineers at younger ages, Thathsara noted that this was often because of the availability of advanced tools and resources that Sri Lanka lacked. Despite this, Sri Lankan engineers are known internationally for being exceptionally skilled and competent.

“Without access to advanced tools and resources, Sri Lankan engineers still achieve remarkable things. That’s something I’m very proud of,” he said.

Inspiring other young engineers

Beyond his technical achievements, Thathsara has taken on the role of a mentor and advocate for professional development within the engineering community. After earning his Chartered Engineer qualification, he trained as an International Professional Registration Adviser (IPRA). 

“An IPRA reviews and certifies reports from engineers applying for Chartered status. I’ve supported many engineers from Sri Lanka, India, Egypt, and the UK in completing their applications,” he explained.

Thathsara’s commitment extends to universities, where he has delivered lectures and seminars to undergraduates at institutions such as the University of Moratuwa, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, and University of Jaffna. 

“I explain how students can progress in their early careers, gain experience, and prepare reports. These sessions are crucial in helping young engineers understand what it takes to succeed. I’ve always been driven by a desire to make a meaningful contribution to Sri Lanka,” he said. 

He also serves as Vice Chairman of the IET Young Professionals Network Sri Lanka, a group dedicated to promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and facilitating knowledge exchange. 

“The IET Young Professionals Network in Sri Lanka has a 30-year history. We work closely with university faculties to inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists,” Thathsara noted.

Engineering should be a collaborative exercise

Thathsara emphasised the importance of showcasing Sri Lankan engineering talent on the global stage. 

“By collaborating internationally, we can combine our knowledge with the resources and expertise of other countries. This will help us demonstrate the country’s capabilities and create a lasting impact. 

“Our engineers are in high demand globally, but many don’t focus on international collaboration. For example, in countries such as South Korea, engineers collaborate with China and Japan on joint projects, combining strengths in robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and mechanical design to produce excellent results. I believe Sri Lanka has the potential to do the same.”

Looking ahead, Thathsara hopes to inspire more young professionals to pursue Chartered Engineer qualifications and embrace international collaboration. His journey has been shaped by a deep commitment to his country and his craft. 

“Sri Lankan engineers are incredibly talented and our achievements are even more remarkable given our limited resources. My goal is to pave the way for others, showing them that they can achieve great things and that their work can gain recognition worldwide.”