The Centre for Fire Safety Engineering (CFSE), University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJ) has marked a historic milestone in fire safety engineering with the successful completion of Sri Lanka’s first full-scale industry fire resistance test conducted within the country.
The landmark test was carried out on 25 August 2026 at the fire testing laboratory at Centre for Fire Safety Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, involving the full-scale fire resistance testing of a fire door assembly.
The achievement represents a significant advancement in Sri Lanka’s national capacity for fire safety engineering and testing. It demonstrates, for the first time, the country’s ability to undertake sophisticated full-scale fire resistance testing locally, creating new opportunities for industry, research, education and technological advancement.
From Vision to National Capability
The development of this fire testing capability originated from the research and professional vision of Prof. K. M. C. Konthesingha, Professor in Civil Engineering at the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Recognising the absence of dedicated fire testing infrastructure in Sri Lanka and the growing national need for expertise and research capacity in fire safety engineering, Prof. Konthesingha initiated the development of a dedicated fire safety engineering and testing facility. A major milestone in this journey was the successful securing of a Competitive Research Grant of approximately LKR 169.98 million in 2022 by Prof. Konthesingha under the Science and Technology Human Resource Development (STHRD) Project of the Ministry of Education, funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The grant enabled the procurement of advanced fire testing equipment and supported the development of the technical foundation required for full-scale fire safety research and testing, as well as advanced material testing related to fire performance. This initiative subsequently evolved into the Centre for Fire Safety Engineering (CFSE) at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, establishing a national platform for fire safety research, testing, education, professional training and engagement with industry and other stakeholders.
A Landmark Achievement for Sri Lanka
Fire resistance testing is a vital component of modern building safety, providing scientific evidence on how building components and systems perform when exposed to fire. Elements such as fire doors, walls, floors and structural systems are expected to withstand severe fire conditions for specified periods, helping to contain the spread of fire and provide occupants with valuable time for safe evacuation and emergency response.
Conducting a full-scale fire resistance test is a highly specialised process that goes far beyond the testing of small material samples. It involves subjecting a complete building component or assembly to controlled fire exposure under carefully defined conditions, while its temperature, structural response and overall performance are continuously monitored and recorded. The resulting data provide valuable engineering evidence for assessing fire performance, supporting product development, research and the design of safer buildings and infrastructure.
Connecting with Industry
The successful completion of the first industry fire resistance test marks an important transition for CFSE, from the development of specialised research infrastructure to providing practical testing and research support for industry and other stakeholders. As the construction sector increasingly requires fire safety and fire performance of products and systems, access to local full-scale fire resistance testing and material testing under elevated temperatures can provide valuable support for manufacturers, engineers, consultants, decision-makers and researchers.
The availability of such specialised testing capabilities within Sri Lanka can reduce the need to rely exclusively on overseas facilities thereby reducing foreign exchange expenditure, while creating new opportunities for local product development, quality improvement, innovation and research. CFSE therefore has the potential to serve as an important link between academic research and the practical needs of Sri Lanka’s construction and fire safety sector, contributing to the development of locally generated knowledge and improved fire safety practices.
A Dedicated Team Behind the Milestone
The successful execution of the first industry fire resistance test was supported by a dedicated team working closely with Prof. K. M. C. Konthesingha, comprising Prof. Ganga Samarasekara, Dr. Irindu Upasiri, Mr. Wasantha Pushpa Kumara, Ms. Dilini Dissanayake and Ms. Kobika Mathushan. Their contribution, together with the support of technical and research personnel of the Department, external experts and other collaborators, played an important role in translating the vision of a national fire testing facility into an operational capability.
Building a Safer Sri Lanka
The significance of this achievement extends well beyond the successful completion of the first test. As Sri Lanka continues to develop increasingly complex buildings and infrastructure, the need for specialised expertise, advanced testing capabilities and reliable engineering evidence in fire safety will continue to grow. CFSE aims to respond to this national need through fire safety research, full-scale fire testing, fire performance evaluation, education, professional training and collaboration with industry and other stakeholders.
The Centre also provides a platform for developing the next generation of engineers and researchers with specialised knowledge in fire safety engineering, while promoting greater awareness of scientifically based fire safety practices. According to Prof. K. M. C. Konthesingha, the vision behind CFSE extends beyond conducting individual fire tests. Its broader objective is to build national expertise, generate scientific knowledge, support industry and contribute to the development of safer buildings and infrastructure in Sri Lanka.
Centre for Fire Safety Engineering
University of Sri Jayewardenepura
Mattegoda, Sri Lanka
Website: firecenter.sjp.ac.lk
