Meet Sri Lanka’s Youngest Chartered Engineer

At just 30 years old, Thathsara Nanayakkara is the youngest IET-registered chartered engineer (CEng) in Sri Lanka.

Thathsara joined us as an undergraduate student in 2016 and has been an active member from the start. From joining our Young Professionals’ Sri Lanka Network, to regularly attending our events and conferences, being a member has provided him with valuable opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange and professional development within the engineering community. “My membership has been a pivotal asset throughout my career, allowing me to foster growth and engagement within the industry.”

Our products and services, particularly access to publications like E+T magazine, have been invaluable to Thathsara. “These resources 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.”

A passion for engineering

Thathsara’s journey began with a passion for engineering rooted in his family’s mathematical background. Inspired by his father, a talented maths teacher, and fuelled by a natural aptitude for maths and physics, Thathsara embarked on a path that led him to the General Sir John Kothelawla Defence University. Here, he pursued a four-year engineering degree.

Thathsara is now the commanding officer 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 and the development of an object-tracking combat FPV drone for short-range military operations.

Inspired to become professionally registered

Through his experiences with us, Thathsara was inspired to work towards becoming professionally registered. He learnt about the application process through our website while also receiving advice from his fellow members. “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 advisers [PRAs]. The IET’s website was also instrumental in providing details about the application process and dispelling misconceptions about applying for CEng status.”

As well as becoming the youngest IET-registered chartered engineer in Sri Lanka, Thathsara is also the first registered CEng from the Engineering Council UK in the Sri Lanka Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Regiment. “I feel that I’ve created a path for other engineers to follow and it will be really beneficial for my organisation to have more professionally registered engineers.” He has since trained to become a PRA and also mentors students.

“Registration has added value to my career and given me an enhanced level of industry recognition and acceptance. My journey is not just a personal triumph; it’s a testament to the possibilities that arise from passion, dedication and a commitment to excellence in the field of engineering.”