What are the achievements that you
have gained?
I have excelled in all my exams, received a
PhD from a world class university, worked in
leading chemical engineering firms and now
at the best university in the country.
I became the Head of the Department of
Chemical and Process Engineering in 2011
and was re-elected twice. During my tenure
as the HOD, we have managed to complete the
construction of our new building, improve
the staff strength, improve the laboratory facilities,
attract students with high GPA, produce
many different types of research and engineers
and overcome numerous challenges.
This, I consider the greatest achievement of
my life.
In your opinion which were the skills
that helped you to achieve them? Is it
essential to have good communication
skills as an engineer?
It is the attitude. If you undertake something,
do it to your best. You may have limitations,
that’s acceptable as long as you deliver
the best you can.
You need many skills to be successful at your
workplace: never give up or cheat, always be
positive, help others to overcome their problems,
encourage colleagues to develop their
career paths, correct your mistakes without
unethically defending them and forget and
forgive for mistakes of others are some of
them.
One place where you can go totally wrong is
poor communication. Therefore, give high
priority and improve communication skills.
What is your opinion on the current
education system in Sri Lanka (schools
and universities)? How can we improve
the education system?
We should take immediate steps to correct
our rote learning education system. We must
produce innovative and creative individuals.
Students should be allowed to choose their
own career path according to their capacity
and interest. Simultaneously, the job market
should be expanded to accept people with different
skills.
The education system should produce men
and women who can respect others no matter
who you are; whether you are senior or junior,
doctor or nurse, president or labourer.
The education system should produce a disciplined
society.
Educational reforms at all stages, from kindergarten
up to the university level should be
brought.
Page 34
University of Peradeniya GAUGE Magazine