Sri Lanka establishes first dedicated Fire Safety Engineering Centre at University of Sri Jayewardenepura

The Centre for Fire Safety Engineering Team (from left): Prof. G.N. Samarasekara, P.M.W.P. Kumara, Prof. K.M.C. Konthesingha, Dr. I.R. Upasiri, Kobika Mathushan, and D.A.D.N. Dissanayake – Pic by Daminda Harsha Perera

In a landmark step towards strengthening national safety standards and advancing engineering research, the University of Sri Jayewardenepura has established the Centre for Fire Safety Engineering (CFSE), the country’s first dedicated facility for fire testing and structural fire research.

Formally established in August 2022, the Centre represents a major milestone in Sri Lanka’s higher education and public safety landscape. It was developed as a result of a significant research grant secured by Prof. K.M.C. Konthesingha, amounting to Rs. 169.98 million. The funding, awarded under the Competitive Research Grant Scheme of the Education Ministry and supported by the Asian Development Bank, enabled the procurement of advanced fire testing equipment. An additional investment of nearly Rs. 100 million was allocated for the construction of the laboratory facilities.

The origins of the Centre trace back to 2018, during the early development of the Faculty of Engineering. Recognising the absence of structural fire safety engineering as a specialised discipline in Sri Lanka, Prof. Konthesingha initiated efforts to introduce this critical field. His vision centred on addressing national needs in public safety, infrastructure resilience, and sustainable development through advanced research and innovation.

To achieve this, a two-pronged strategy was adopted: developing local expertise through academic research and education, while simultaneously securing funding to establish a state-of-the-art fire testing laboratory. 

A key milestone in this journey was the commencement of doctoral research in 2019 on the fire performance of lightweight concrete panels. This research was carried out in collaboration with international and local experts, including Associate Professor Keerthan Poologanathan of Northumbria University, UK, and Prof. Anura Nanayakkara of the University of Moratuwa.

Today, the CFSE stands as a pioneering hub integrating advanced experimental facilities, technical expertise, and modern computational tools. The Centre facilitates a wide range of investigations, including full-scale structural fire testing, material fire performance evaluation, and simulation-based fire analysis. These capabilities contribute directly to improving building design practices, enhancing fire-resistant materials, and supporting performance-based engineering solutions.

Beyond research, the Centre plays a vital role in knowledge dissemination and professional development. It supports undergraduate and postgraduate education, industry training, and the development of national guidelines and regulatory frameworks. Through collaborations with universities, industry stakeholders, and regulatory bodies, both locally and internationally, the CFSE is actively promoting knowledge transfer and innovation in fire safety engineering.

The mission of the Centre is to conduct advanced research in fire safety engineering and to provide guidance for improving the safety of buildings across Sri Lanka. Its objectives include establishing cutting-edge testing facilities, evaluating fire performance of construction materials, developing expertise in fire engineering, and supporting regulatory advancements in the sector.

As Sri Lanka continues to urbanise and expand its built environment, the establishment of the CFSE positions the country at the forefront of fire safety innovation in the region. The Centre not only strengthens national capacity in structural fire engineering but also contributes to safeguarding lives, property, and infrastructure through science-driven solutions.