Connecting Young Minds with the Future of Water
The awareness and engagement session, “Connecting Young Minds with the Future of Water: An Introduction to International Water Association (IWA), Water Careers and Opportunities for Young Water Professionals,” was successfully conducted on 24 August 2026 at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences and Technology, University of Ruhuna. The programme was jointly organized by IWA Young Water Professionals (YWP) Sri Lanka and the Department of Limnology and Water Technology, University of Ruhuna. The session aimed to introduce undergraduate students to career pathways in the water sector, key professional skills, global networking opportunities, and avenues for engagement through the International Water Association (IWA) and IWA YWP Sri Lanka.
The programme commenced with welcome remarks by Dr. H. L. K. Sanjaya, Head of the Department of Limnology and Water Technology, University of Ruhuna. The main feature was an interactive panel discussion titled “Your Future in Water: Opportunities, Skills & Global Connections,” moderated by Dr. L. N. Wijewardene. The discussion provided academic, industry, and international perspectives on professional development and opportunities in the water sector.
Resource Persons and Panelists
- Prof. H. B. Asanthi, Professor, Department of Limnology and Water Technology, University of Ruhuna
- Eng. Nadun Wickremanayake, Regional Manager, National Water Supply and Drainage Board, Matara
- Dr. Isabela Espindola, Membership Engagement Senior Officer, International Water Association (IWA)
- Dr. Prasanna Jogdeo, South Asia Engagement Manager, International Water Association (IWA)
- Ms. Tharika Fernando, Secretary, IWA Young Water Professionals Sri Lanka
- Mr. Indrajith Attanayake, Chair, IWA Young Water Professionals Sri Lanka
Mr. Ramod Jayawardena, Vice-Chair of IWA YWP Sri Lanka, conducted a session on the establishment and future direction of the IWA YWP University of Ruhuna Chapter. The session highlighted opportunities for students to engage in professional networking, capacity building, and water-sector initiatives through the proposed Chapter.