The Sri Lankan Rock Mechanics and Engineering Society (SLRMES) invites you to participate in the 1st SLRMES Conference on Rock Mechanics for Infrastructure and Geo-Resources Development to be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka during December 2-7, 2023. The first two days (Dec. 2 & 3) are allocated for the short courses and workshops. The plenary and technical lectures of the conference are planned for the next two days (Dec. 4 & 5) and the last two days (Dec. 6 & 7) are allocated for the technical and sightseeing tours.
The conference will cover advances in all areas of rock mechanics and rock engineering encompassing the fields of mining, civil, geological, and petroleum engineering, and geophysics and Hydrogeology focusing on the theme “Rock Mechanics for Infrastructure and Geo-Resources Development”. Three keynotes are expected to be delivered to cover the state-of-the-art on several important topics. Each session is expected to start with a Session Lead Lecture given by an expert on the session topic. The plenary and technical lectures, short courses, workshops, technical tours, and trade exhibition programs are organized to provide conference supporters maximum exposure and interaction with participants from universities, industry, government, and exhibitors. Visits are also planned to tourist attractions in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka is a pear-shaped island situated in the Northeast of the Maldives and Southeast of India, lying on the Indian Plate. The island consists mostly of flat to rolling coastal plains, with mountains rising only in the south-central part. The highest point is Pidurutalagala, reaching 2,524 meters (8,281 ft) above sea level. Sri Lanka's coastline is 1,585 km (985 mi) long. The coastline and adjacent waters support highly productive marine ecosystems such as fringing coral reefs and shallow beds of coastal and estuarine seagrasses. Sri Lanka has 103 rivers. The longest of these is the Mahaweli River, extending 335 kilometers (208 mi). These waterways give rise to 51 natural waterfalls of 10 meters (33 ft) or more. The highest is Bambarakanda Falls, with a height of 263 meters (863 ft). The island is rich in minerals such as ilmenite, feldspar, graphite, silica, kaolin, mica, and thorium. The existence of petroleum and gas in the Gulf of Mannar has also been confirmed, and the extraction of recoverable quantities is underway. The climate is tropical and warm because of moderating effects of ocean winds. Mean temperatures range from 17 °C (62.6 °F) in the central highlands, where frost may occur for several days in the winter, to a maximum of 33 °C (91.4 °F) in low-altitude areas. Average December temperatures range from 24 °C (75.2 °F) to nearly 28 °C (82.4 °F).
It comprises several things such as tasty foods, diverse cultures, languages, and ethnicities. scenic trains, historical architecture, wildlife, and immaculate beaches. It is the place to get lost in the middle of the incredible frescoes, water gardens, and ancient ruins of a fantastic rock fortress.
The island has documented history of 3000 years. It is a gemstone nation along the Indian Ocean where tourism in Sri Lanka is rapidly adjusting to the needs of the rising clients and a comprehensive range of things to offer to international visitors. There are eight UNESCO world heritage sites, including some of the temples, telling the 3000 years of history of ancient practices. Some of the names to include are Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Dambulla Cave Temple, Kandy, Polonnaruwa, Sinharaja, and colonial fortresses like Galle, and Trincomalee. Despite the popular attractions, it has also secured some of the wilderness for its tourists including some wild safari tours like Udawalawe National Park, Wilpattu National Wildlife Park, Ridiyagama Safari Park, Wasgamuwa National Park, and much more. You will get to see leopards, water buffaloes, several migratory birds, elephants, and other animals.
Information on the conference is available on the website: www.SLRMES.org. Further details on the technical part of the conference can be obtained by contacting Prof. Pinnaduwa H.S.W. Kulatilake (kulatila@u.arizona.edu), Conference Chair, or Dr. Thushara Madanayake (madanayaketa@kdu.ac.lk), SLRMES Secretary, or Dr. Chulantha Jayawardena (chulanthaj@uom.lk), SLRMES Treasurer, or Mr. Isuru Indunil (isuruindunil@gmail.com), SLRMES Event Manager. Details on the Exhibitor and Sponsorship Programs can be obtained by contacting Prof. Pinnaduwa H.S.W. Kulatilake (kulatila@u.arizona.edu). Information on the sightseeing tours can be obtained by contacting Prof. Pinnaduwa H.S.W. Kulatilake (kulatila@u.arizona.edu).
We look forward to seeing you in beautiful Sri Lanka in December 2023.