Sri Lanka’s first Fire Safety Engineering Research Centre launched

14-Feb-2026

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Sri Lanka’s first Fire Safety Engineering Research Centre has been established by the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, marking a milestone in improving safety standards in the construction sector.

The facility was inaugurated at the Faculty of Engineering in Homagama with an investment of about Rs. 250 million under the guidance of Prof. K.M.C. Konthasinghe.

Previously, local manufacturers had to send building materials abroad for fire-resistance testing. The new centre features a full-scale fire testing furnace capable of testing walls, floors, columns and beams to global standards.

Advanced equipment can measure thermal conductivity up to 750°C and other properties up to 1,200°C, with thermal imaging and simulation tools enabling predictive safety analysis. The centre is expected to enhance construction safety and save foreign exchange.