IESL - Qatar Chapter

Dear Engineers & Professionals,

The Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL) – Qatar Chapter is pleased to invite you to CPD 001 – 2026, an insightful professional development session on:

“AI Productivity Tools for Engineer’s Daily Tasks”

This session will provide practical exposure to modern AI tools and responsible AI practices that can significantly enhance engineering workflow efficiency, productivity, and day-to-day professional tasks.

Resource Person:
Mr. Rukmal Weliwatta
Senior AI Engineer, GCS AI Engineering Team – IFS

Date: Friday, 15 May 2026
Time:
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM (Qatar Time)
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM (Sri Lanka Time)

Registration Link:
https://forms.gle/XWGvKZ4z33MJeMhQ8

We encourage all engineers and professionals to participate and benefit from this timely and highly practical CPD session.

Kindly refer to the attached flyer for further details.

Regards,
IESL Qatar Chapter

How a Single Evening Sparked a Movement – The Story of SLTMQ

A message to all IESL–Qatar Chapter Engineers

In April 2017, a simple demo meeting organized for the Institute of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL) – Qatar Chapter turned into something extraordinary. On April 28, 2017, more than 30 Sri Lankan engineers and professionals gathered at Shalimar Darbar Hotel for a Toastmasters demonstration conducted by the Smedley Toastmasters Club, under the guidance of Area 43 Director Dr. Abdul Hameed Pathiyil (P, ACS, ALB).

What happened that evening changed everything.

Engineers who walked in with curiosity walked out with confidence. They discovered that Toastmasters wasn’t just about giving speeches—it was about building leadership, sharpening thinking, and gaining the confidence to speak with impact.

That moment inspired the formation of the Sri Lankan Toastmasters Club – Qatar (SLTMQ) on August 9, 2017, which officially chartered on October 31, 2017. Guided by dedicated mentors and driven by committed members, the club has since helped countless Sri Lankans in Qatar discover their voice, lead with purpose, and grow personally and professionally.

🌟 Why Engineers Should Join Toastmasters

As engineers, we design, solve, build, and innovate. But to truly create impact, we must also communicate—clearly, confidently, and convincingly.

Toastmasters helps you:

✔ Transform stage fear into confidence
✔ Improve presentations and technical communication
✔ Strengthen leadership and teamwork skills
✔ Think quickly and speak effectively
✔ Grow your professional presence

If you want to be not just a better engineer but a better leader, Toastmasters is the perfect platform.

Also, please find the online edition of "Cinnamon Speaks", Release of Sri Lankan Toastmasters Club Qatar first edition of "Cinnamon Speaks" official magazine on 8th Anniversary on 29th Oct'2025.

Release of Sri Lankan Toastmasters Club Qatar first edition of "Cinnamon Speaks" official magazine.
🔗 Read the magazine here: https://online.visual-paradigm.com/share/book/cinnamon-speaks-oct-25-2cizi2p6r4

Thanks

Reminder

Dear Engineers and Professionals,

The Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL) – Qatar Chapter, is pleased to announce its second CPD session for 2025, titled: “Contract Management”

📅 Date: Saturday, 13 September 2025
🕖 Time: 7.00 PM – 9.00 PM (Qatar Time) / 9.30 PM – 11.30 PM (Sri Lanka Time)
📍 Venue: Online Platform

The session will be conducted by Dr. Thayaparan Shanmugam (PhD, LLM, BSc Hons QS, FRICS, MCIArb, MMUP – Grade A, RICS APC Panel Chairman and Counsellor, Claim/Commercial Specialist – PWA), a distinguished professional with extensive expertise in contract administration, claims, and commercial management.

This insightful program is designed to enhance your understanding of practical applications in construction contracts. The session will cover key principles, real-world scenarios, and best practices that every engineer and professional should know to effectively manage contractual obligations and mitigate risks.

We warmly encourage all Sri Lankan engineering professionals to take part in this complementary session and sharpen their knowledge in contract practice.

📌 Register now by scanning the QR code on the flyer or using the link below:

https://forms.gle/AnrHpRtNuwUdJxVs6

Thank you,
CPD Committee
IESL Qatar Chapter

IESL Qatar Chapter Executive Committee Meets with H.E. Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Qatar

On Monday, 24th March 2025, the newly appointed Executive Committee (2024/2025) of the IESL Qatar Chapter had the distinct honor of meeting Her Excellency Roshan Sithara Khan Azard, Ambassador of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to the State of Qatar, at the Sri Lankan Embassy in Doha.

This courtesy visit was in line with the Chapter’s tradition of formally introducing its new leadership to the Sri Lankan diplomatic mission. The meeting served as a vital platform to exchange views on enhancing the role of Sri Lankan engineers in Qatar and strengthening bilateral collaboration in the field of engineering.

🔹 Key discussion highlights included:

1. Recognition of Sri Lankan University Qualifications for UPDA:
The committee sought the Embassy's support in advocating for the recognition of Sri Lankan engineering degrees by the Qatar Engineering Committee, which is a crucial step toward obtaining UPDA/MMUP accreditation.

2. UPDA Exam Exemption for Sri Lankan Chartered Engineers:
A request was made to consider an exemption from the UPDA examination for Sri Lankan Chartered Engineers—similar to the privilege extended to Australian Chartered Engineers—based on equivalent professional standards.

3. Post-FIFA 2022 Engineering Job Market & Industry Outlook:
The discussion also addressed the current challenges in the engineering job market, particularly the decline in construction activities post-FIFA World Cup 2022, and how Sri Lankan engineers can adapt to this shifting landscape.

4. Continuous Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Initiatives:
The committee reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing and future CSR initiatives that aim to uplift and empower the Sri Lankan community in Qatar, especially young professionals and students.

Her Excellency appreciated the Chapter’s proactive efforts and assured continued support from the Embassy in all initiatives that promote the interests of Sri Lankan engineers in Qatar.

This meeting marks a promising start to a progressive term for the IESL Qatar Chapter, with a renewed focus on advocacy, professional development, and community empowerment.