Surveyors’ Institute of Sri Lanka marks 100 years of service to nation as the country’s premier professional body for surveyors prepares to celebrate its centennial anniversary on 2 August 2026, commemorating a century of contributions to surveying, mapping, land administration, and national development.
Surveyors’ Institute of Sri Lanka marks 100 years of service to nation with centenary celebrations
The Surveyors’ Institute of Sri Lanka (SISL) will mark the historic milestone with a technical session, a gala dinner, and an awards ceremony at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, bringing together professionals, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to reflect on the Institute’s achievements and future direction.
Established in 1926 as the Licensed Surveyors’ Association of Ceylon and later incorporated through an Act of Parliament in 1982, SISL has evolved into the country’s leading professional body representing the surveying profession and the geospatial community. Over the past century, the Institute has played a pivotal role in advancing professional education, strengthening ethical standards, supporting legislative reforms, and promoting the adoption of modern surveying and geospatial technologies across Sri Lanka.
The organisation is also a founding member of the Organisation of Professional Associations (OPA) and the Commonwealth Association of Surveying and Land Economy (CASLE), while maintaining membership in the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG). These affiliations have enabled Sri Lankan surveyors to engage with international best practices and contribute to the global advancement of the profession.
Surveyors’ Institute of Sri Lanka marks 100 years of service to nation by celebrating a legacy closely linked with many of the country’s most significant developments in land administration in Sri Lanka and geospatial planning. Throughout its history, the Institute has supported policies and initiatives that have strengthened land governance, property rights, and infrastructure planning.
Among its notable achievements is hosting the 1974 CASLE Summit, which elevated Sri Lanka’s profile within the Commonwealth surveying community. SISL also supported the establishment of the National Hydrographic Office, promoted the University Grants Commission-approved degree programme in Surveying Sciences at Diyatalawa, and played an active role in advocating for key legislation that modernised the country’s land administration framework.
The Institute was instrumental in supporting the Registration of Title Act No. 21 of 1998, which laid the legislative foundation for the Bimsaviya land titling programme aimed at reducing land ownership disputes. It also backed the enactment of the Survey Act No. 17 of 2002, replacing outdated legal provisions and introducing a modern regulatory framework through the establishment of a Survey Board.
Speaking ahead of the centenary celebrations, SISL President Surveyor Shantha Priya Perera said the anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the Institute’s long-standing contribution to Sri Lanka’s development while looking ahead to future challenges and opportunities.
He noted that the Institute remains committed to applying professional expertise, embracing digitalisation, and adopting innovative technologies to improve land administration systems and support the country’s broader development agenda. According to Perera, efficient surveying practices and accurate geospatial information are essential for sustainable infrastructure, economic growth, and effective public administration.
Centenary Celebrations Organising Committee Chair Surveyor T. L. Sujeewa said the commemorative programme has been carefully designed to recognise the achievements of the surveying profession while highlighting emerging trends and technological advancements. He added that the technical sessions will feature presentations by leading members of the Institute on timely and relevant industry topics.
Looking ahead, SISL intends to further strengthen its leadership in geospatial technology Sri Lanka, digital land administration, sustainable infrastructure planning, climate resilience, and professional capacity building. The Institute believes that modern surveying and geospatial data will continue to play a critical role in supporting evidence-based decision-making, transparent land management, and national development priorities.
Surveyors’ Institute of Sri Lanka marks 100 years of service to nation while reaffirming its commitment to advancing professional excellence, fostering innovation, and supporting the development of efficient land information systems that benefit citizens, businesses, and public institutions alike. As Sri Lanka continues its digital transformation, the Institute aims to remain at the forefront of the surveying profession by equipping future generations with the knowledge, skills, and technology required to meet evolving national needs.