Sterling Steels Limited has entered into a strategic collaboration with the University of Moratuwa’s Department of Civil Engineering by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing academic and industry-based research within Sri Lanka’s steel building construction sectors. This partnership highlights a mutual commitment to innovation, knowledge exchange, and the practical application of academic research to address real-world industry challenges.
Under the MoU, the University of Moratuwa will spearhead applied research initiatives, while Sterling Steels will contribute technical expertise, industry insights, and access to facilities and materials to support research, testing, and industrial exposure. The collaboration is overseen by Professor Udeni Nawagamuwa, Head of the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Moratuwa, with Sterling Steels represented by its Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Kemantha Perera. Research activities will be supervised by Dr. H. M. S. T. Herath, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Civil Engineering.
The partnership aims to provide structured opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students to engage in industry-relevant research and development activities, while also enabling academic staff to work closely with industry practitioners. It seeks to enhance Sterling Steels’ research-driven innovation capabilities by leveraging the university’s academic and technical expertise, facilitating joint projects, publications, and knowledge-sharing initiatives that contribute to the long-term advancement of Sri Lanka’s construction and manufacturing industries.
Research efforts within the collaboration will focus on key structural engineering areas, including the design and performance of cold-formed steel sections and connections under complex loading conditions. These studies are anticipated to generate insights that support improved design practices, material efficiency, and structural resilience, applicable to both local and regional construction contexts.
Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Kemantha Perera, Chief Operating Officer of Sterling Steels Limited, stated, “This partnership reflects our belief that sustainable industry growth must be anchored in rigorous research and close collaboration with academia. By working with the University of Moratuwa, we are not only supporting the next generation of engineers and researchers but also strengthening our own innovation capabilities to deliver safer, more efficient steel solutions for Sri Lanka’s evolving construction landscape.”
The MoU is part of Sterling Steels’ broader corporate responsibility agenda, which prioritizes support for higher education, research excellence, and capacity building within critical national industries. The signing ceremony took place at the University of Moratuwa, with representatives from both institutions in attendance.
Photo Caption – Mr. Kemantha Perera (Chief Operating Officer, Sterling Steels Limited), Professor Udeni Nawagamuwa (Head of the Department, Department of Civil Engineering), Dr. H. M. S. T. Herath (Department of Civil Engineering), A. G. L. Sandeepa (Head of Engineering, Sterling Steels Limited)
