SPEARHEADING SRI LANKA’S BOOMING BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Dr. Rohan Karunaratne, President of Ceylon Institute of Builders (CIOB)— the premier professional organization of building and construction professionals in Sri Lanka— and Chairman of A.K.K. Engineers is an eminent academic and professional. Most importantly, Dr. Karunarartne is a proud past pupil of Pannipitiya Dharmapala Vidyalaya, where he entered the school in 1967. Since then, he has been a great part of the school’s legacy as a bright student and a resourceful past pupil involved in many school development programmes. We sat down with Dr. Karunaratne for a quick chat to reminisce some of his fond memories at school. Here are the excerpts:

Can you share some of your fond memories at our school?

I was a lovable student by the teachers at the school, which was mostly positive. However, as a result of being well-known, I faced some perplexing situations. I oddly remember a fight breaking out in my class, which Mr. Gunasekara, the principal at that time, witnessed. However, as I was the student he knew well, I received the punishment on behalf of my entire class. Some of my fondest experiences at Dharmapala Vidyalaya were as such.

What made you chose engineering as your profession?           

My father was the Director of Health Education, so I was pushed towards medicine. However, I was very weak in Zoology yet did extremely well in mathematics. My parents understood my ability for Maths and proceeded to let me follow its path. After my school studies, I continued with my engineering career and was selected to one of the best engineering colleges in India -the Hindustan Institute of Technology & Science. I completed my bachelor’s degree there and completed an Advanced Diploma in Hindustan Institute of Engineering Technology. Subsequently, I did my Masters in the University of Sussex, UK and my Ph.D at New York University. I headed most of the leading construction-related institutions in Sri Lanka; a few being The National Construction Association of Sri Lanka, South Asian Lean Construction International, Master Builders International and Chamber of Construction.

What are the most important lessons you learned at the school that moulded you into the great professional you are today?

Because it was a mixed school, the skill and importance of teamwork and unity in extra-curricular activities struck me the most as I look back on my days at Dharmapala Vidyalaya. Whenever a teacher would administer punishment, we learned never to blame a single student. Rather, we collectively as a group received whichever punishment the teacher had decided upon.

What are the three most important pieces of advice you can give to the next generation of Pannipitiya Dharmapala Vidyalaya?

The first is to work purposefully towards a specific future goal. For this to be a success, you have to respect your parents, teachers, elders and colleagues. It will significantly aid you along the way. Finally, learn to not depend on others to fulfill your aims. This independence is irrevocably necessary.

As a past pupil, you are actively engaged in many activities that are geared towards developing our school. Why do you love the school so much?

As a specialist swimming pool consultant and engineer, helping in the school’s swimming pool construction was in my realm of work, and I was happy to help. At the Schools Sport meet, I was the House Captain of ‘Soorya’. Considering my enthusiasm for sports and being an avid participator and champion of interschool championships, I am one of the members who advocated and commenced badminton as a sport in Dharmapala Vidyalaya and built it to be one of the recognized sports in the school. I distinctly remember the joy of writing, directing our dramas, from which we funded the school’s first badminton court on the side of the Principal’s office.

– Hiyal Biyagamage