The past few years have been among the most challenging periods faced by our profession. Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, compounded by global disruptions, severely affected the construction and consultancy sectors. Many projects were suspended, professional staff were displaced, and consultancy practices faced unprecedented uncertainty. While there are signs of gradual recovery, the industry remains fragile and requires consistent policy support, professional stability, and ethical leadership.

At the same time, we have witnessed increasing challenges to the traditional role of the Consulting Engineer, particularly in contract administration and technical decision-making. Bureaucratic intervention, unstable employment practices, and the emergence of nonprofessionally led consultancy entities pose risks to accountability, continuity, and professional integrity. As ACESL, we remain committed to engaging constructively with all stakeholders to safeguard the independence, authority, and ethical standing of Consulting Engineers, while promoting collaboration across disciplines.

Despite these challenges, the year under review has been productive and forward-looking. We strengthened communication through an upgraded website and regular newsletters, and organised professional forums addressing emerging technical and industry issues. A major milestone was securing the opportunity to host the FIDIC Asia Pacific Conference (ASPAC) 2026 in Colombo. This achievement, formally announced at the ASPAC 2025 Conference in

Bali, places Sri Lanka prominently on the regional and global engineering map. The Conference, scheduled for 15–17 November 2026, will focus on the theme “AI Revolution in Engineering and Project Implementation”, reflecting the evolving role of technology in our profession.

I am also pleased to note the revival of the Young Professional Forum, which had been inactive in recent years. Through a transparent process, a new committee has now been established, and young professionals have been nominated to regional FIDIC future leaders’ platforms. This initiative represents an important investment in leadership development and the long-term sustainability of the profession.

Looking ahead, the successful organisation of ASPAC 2026 will be a key responsibility of the incoming Council. In addition, ACESL will continue to focus on strengthening engagement with government and industry stakeholders, enhancing public recognition of consulting engineers, updating our rules and by-laws, expanding international collaboration through FIDIC, and promoting continuous professional development, ethics, and leadership.

In conclusion, I extend my sincere gratitude to my fellow Council Members and to all ACESL members for their cooperation, trust, and unwavering support. I am confident that, through unity and professionalism, ACESL will continue to safeguard the integrity of our profession and guide it towards a resilient, innovative, and sustainable future.