Workshop on Earthquake Resilient Building Construction in Sri Lanka

 09^th October 2018 

Sri Lanka is no longer isolated from seismic threat considering the recent past events occurred in and around the island. This program was aimed to promote the seismic resilient construction through sharing knowledge and enhance awareness with the participants of professionals, academics and representatives from state and private institutions.

The welcome speech and the main objective of the program was delivered by Eng. (Dr.) Asiri Karunawardena, Director General of National Building Research Organization.

Eng. N. A. Sisira Kumara, Secretary of Ministry of Irrigation and Water Resources & Disaster Management addressed on the importance of conducting these workshops with professionals and academics.

Subsequently there were six keynote speeches from various experts.

• Mr. Nalin de Silva, Snr. Geophysicist, GSMB delivered Seismic vulnerability in Sri Lanka
• Prof. Nimal Seneviratne - Senior Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Peradeniya delivered Seismic Hazard Assessment for Resilient Construction
• Dr. Kushan Wijesundara, Senior Lecturer, Department, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Peradeniya delivered Seismic Design of Low-rise Buildings (Eurocode 8)
• Eng. Shiromal Fernando, Structural Engineer delivered Earthquake Resilient Building Construction- High-rise Buildings
• Prof. Ranjith Dissanayake, Senior Professor, Department, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Peradeniya delivered Seismic Retrofitting of Buildings

A panel discussion moderated by Dr. Shantha Gamage, Senior Lecturer, Department of Physics, University of Sri Jayawardenapura followed the above key note speakers.

The panelist were,

• Dr. Prasanna Dharmapriya, Senior Lecturer, Department of Geology, University of Peradeniya
• Mr. Mahinda Seneviratne, Snr. Geophysicist, GSMB
• Prof. Priyan Dias, Senior professor, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa
• Eng. K L S Sahabandu, General Manager, Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau
• Prof. M R T Jayasinghe, Senior professor, Department of 00Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa

During the session the professionals emphasized on enhancing the collaboration between professionals and increasing focus on seismic resilient building design and construction for seismic hazard identification and mitigation.