L.S. De Silva, a doyen in the transport sector

There is an urgent need for a proper transportation policy to be implemented for economic growth, said Emeritus Professor. Dayantha Wijeyesekera.

He was addressing the L.S. De Silva memorial lecture on 'Meeting the Challenges of Knowledge Transfer in the Transportation Sector', organised by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT).

He said the need for a proper transportation policy has been stressed for many decades and added that the implementation of a sound policy will help meet the present-day challenges in the transportation sector.

"There is a dire need to transfer knowledge to all levels in the transportation sector and added that avenues to acquire skills, gaining knowledge and enhancing professionalism should be promoted", Prof. Wijeyesekera said.

L. Sydney De Silva, an eminent civil engineer in the country made a contribution to the transportation sector in the country.During his 28-year career in the Railways he was instrumental in making vital changes in the department.

Restoration of the Northern rail track destroyed by floods in 1957, modification of rail tracks and introduction of high speed crossovers in the suburban network to accommodate colourlight signalling are some of the key projects undertaken by L.S. De Silva.

Prof. Wijeyesekera said that considering the present-day scenario of the transportation sector he would wonder what would L.S. De Silva had to say if he was alive.

"While population growth, rapid urbanisation and changing social values have complicated the provision of transportation facilities there is widespread dissatisfaction on how the transportation system operates", he said. L.S. De Silva, a doyen in the transportation sector played a key role in the transfer of knowledge which created a vibrant sector for the economy.

"Acquisition of knowledge, skills and attitudes by transporters are essential for the growth of the sector. The challenge of knowledge transfer should be collectively faced by professionals, academics and decision makers of the transportation sector", Prof. Wijeyesekera said.

LF