Building a Water Career in Sri Lanka: Local Opportunities, Global Pathways and Professional Growth

Organised by the IWA Young Water Professionals Sri Lanka Chapter, this webinar will explore how students and early-career professionals can build meaningful and impactful careers in Sri Lanka's water sector while connecting to global opportunities. Through perspectives from academia, industry and the international water community, participants will gain practical insights into career pathways, emerging skills, professional networking and leadership development.

The session will highlight the current and future workforce needs of Sri Lanka's water sector, discuss opportunities for higher education and international collaboration, and showcase how engagement with professional networks such as IWA can accelerate career development. The webinar aims to inspire the next generation of water professionals and strengthen connections between local talent and the global water community.

• Undergraduate and postgraduate students
• Early-career water professionals
• Young engineers and scientists
• Researchers and academics
• Members of the IWA YWP network
• Professionals considering a transition into the water sector

By the end of the webinar, participants will be able to:

• Compare different career pathways available within the water sector, including academia, utilities, consulting, government and international organisations.
• Identify the technical and professional skills most sought after by employers in the water sector.
• Understand current and emerging opportunities in Sri Lanka's water sector and their relevance within a global context.
• Develop strategies for building professional networks and accessing international opportunities.
• Identify ways to engage with IWA and the wider YWP community to support their professional development.

• The water sector offers diverse and rewarding career opportunities that contribute directly to sustainable development.
• Technical expertise alone is not sufficient; leadership, communication and collaboration skills are increasingly important.
• Professional networks and international engagement can significantly accelerate career development.
• Sri Lanka's future water challenges require a new generation of skilled and innovative professionals.

• Dr. Lishani Wijewardene, Senior Lecturer, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lishani-wijewardene-3112a4109/)

• Dr. Tharindu Ritigala, Water & Wastewater Treatment Specialist, Sri Lanka (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tharindu-ritigala-ph-d-env-eng-pmp%C2%AE-msc-bsc-hons-30920242/)