USJ and Siam City Cement Forge Strategic Partnership to Advance Fire Safety Engineering in Sri Lanka
The University of Sri Jayewardenepura has entered into a landmark strategic partnership with Siam City Cement (Lanka) Limited (INSEE cement) to strengthen research and development activities of its Centre for Fire Safety Engineering (CFSE). The agreement was formally signed during the inauguration ceremony of the CFSE on 11th February 2026.
The agreement was signed by the Vice Chancellor of the University, Senior Professor Pathmalal M. Manage; the CEO of Siam City Cement (Lanka) Limited, Eng. Thusith Gunawarnasuriya; the Director of CFSE, Prof. K. M. C. Konthesingha; and Eng. Sushil Rathore, Manufacturing Director of the company. Senior representatives from both the University and the company were present to witness the signing, marking a significant milestone in industry–academia collaboration.
Under the terms of the agreement, Siam City Cement (Lanka) Limited will provide an annual financial contribution of LKR 1 million along with a supply of cement to facilitate experimental research and development at the Centre.
The Centre for Fire Safety Engineering stands as Sri Lanka’s first dedicated structural fire engineering research and testing facility. Established to advance scientific knowledge, build national expertise, and deliver evidence-based solutions to improve fire safety in buildings and infrastructure, the Centre plays a vital role in enhancing the resilience and safety of the built environment. The collaboration with industry partners is expected to further strengthen its role as a national hub for research, innovation, and professional training in fire safety engineering.
