Thathsara Nanayakkara
Thathsara Nanayakkara is the Officer Commanding of the Sri Lanka Army’s Electrical Mechanical Engineering Workshop. Here he leads a technical foreman, section commanders and a team of engineering technicians who focus on the maintenance and reliability of all the Army’s electrical, mechanical, electronic and optical equipment.
His career highlights to date include working on an energy conserving smart control system for street lighting in Sri Lanka and the development of an object tracking combat FPV drone for short-range military operations, and he credits these projects in helping him to become the youngest IET Chartered Engineer (CEng) in Sri Lanka.
Becoming an active member
Thathsara joined the IET as an undergraduate student. “I decided to become a member because it’s one of the leading professional institutions, offering a wealth of learning resources and numerous advantages for engineering professionals. My membership has been a pivotal asset throughout my career,” he says.
He was an active member from the start, joining the IET Young Professional’s Sri Lanka Network, and regularly attending events organised by the national IET Sri Lanka Network.
“These provided valuable opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange and professional development within the engineering community,” he explains.
“IET products and services, particularly access to publications like E+T magazine, technical papers and technological resources have also been invaluable,” Thathsara continues. “These have consistently provided me with the latest knowledge, insights and advancements, empowering me to stay at the forefront of my field and make informed decisions in my career.
“For example, as an electrical and electronic engineer, I have extensively read and applied the knowledge from the ‘BS 7671 – 18th Edition – Wiring Regulations book, which has been instrumental in ensuring the safety and compliance of electrical installations.”
Applying for Professional Registration as a Chartered Engineer
Through his experiences with the IET, Thathsara was inspired to work towards becoming CEng registered. He learnt about the application process through online resources on the IET website, which provides clear guidance and instructions, while also receiving advice from his fellow members.
He also took advantage of IET support and tools like Career Manager. A valuable resource, Thathsara used this system to write and record his professional experience.
“As an active member of the IET Young Professionals’ Sri Lanka Executive Committee, I received valuable advice from senior IET members within the Sri Lanka Network including seasoned Professional Registration Advisors (PRAs).
“The IET’s website was also instrumental in providing details about the application process and dispelling misconceptions about applying for CEng status.
IET Career Manager
“I found the application procedure straightforward thanks to the user-friendly Career Manager, which simplifies the process,” he continues. “My experience applying for Professional Registration has been marked by a consistent dedication to the core attributes expected of Chartered Engineers.”
Using Career Manager, Thathsara was able to show how he’d applied theoretical and practical methods to solve complex engineering problems, showcased technical and commercial leadership in project management, prioritised effective communication and interpersonal skills in diverse settings and upheld personal and professional commitments to society, the profession and the environment.
“These principles have been integral to my career journey, reflecting my deep-rooted commitment to excellence and ethical standards in the engineering profession,” he says.
The first of his kind
Thathsara can now proudly say that he’s the youngest person to become an IET registered Chartered Engineer in Sri Lanka. He is also the first registered CEng from the Engineering Council UK in the Sri Lanka Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Regiment.
He feels that, by achieving these milestones in his engineering journey, he’s created a path for other engineers to follow and “it will be very beneficial for my organisation to have more Professionally Registered engineers.”
He has since trained to become an IET PRA, supporting fellow young professionals with their registration journeys, and also mentors both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Personally, Thathsara has received national and international recognition for his achievement, and is “Humbly proud to have the distinction and honour of being the youngest IET registered Chartered Engineer in Sri Lanka.
“Registration has added value to my career, in that it’s given me an enhanced level of industry recognition and acceptance,” he concludes proudly.