Eng. R.M.S. Upali Rathnayake

Eng. R.M.S. Upali Rathnayake

Eng. Upali Rathnayake, the current Chairman of the National Paper Company (NPCL), is a name synonymous with leadership, technical expertise, and dedicated public service. Alongside his role at NPCL, he also serves as a Member of the Board of Directors of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB), playing a vital part in shaping Sri Lanka’s water and sanitation infrastructure. With a career spanning several decades, Eng. Rathnayake’s journey began at NWSDB, where he worked his way up from Engineer Assistant to Chief Engineer. His hands-on experience across technical and managerial roles has given him an in depth understanding of the country’s water supply challenges and solutions. This practical knowledge forms the backbone of his leadership style one rooted in expertise and grounded in real world challenges.

Between 2021 and 2023, he served as Executive Secretary of the Institution of Incorporated Engineers Sri Lanka (IIESL), championing professional standards and fostering collaboration among Sri Lanka’s engineering community.

Eng. Rathnayake’s academic background is equally impressive. He holds a National Diploma in Technology, having commenced his studies at the prestigious Hardy Institute, Ampara, and completed it at the University of Moratuwa. He has also obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration from Wayamba University.

He is a Fellow Member of the Institution of Incorporated Engineers, Sri Lanka (IIESL), and a Fellow Member of the Institute of Chartered Professional Managers of Sri Lanka (CPM), reflecting his dual focus on technical mastery and people management. His communication skills have been honed through Toastmasters International, where he earned the title of Competent Communicator.

International exposure has also shaped his approach. He has participated in several specialized training programs abroad, including in Japan and Thailand, focusing on mechanical facilities management, pump technology for flood control, and sustainable sanitation systems. He was honoured to represent Sri Lankan engineering diplomates at the SAARC Diploma Engineers Forum (SDEF) on several occasions in India and
Bangladesh. These experiences have equipped him with cutting edge knowledge, which he actively applies in his leadership roles.

Under Eng. Rathnayake’s leadership, NPCL is set to strengthen its position as a leading local manufacturer of quality paper products, while his insights at NWSDB continue to contribute to important national infrastructure projects.

Eng. Upali Rathnayake reflects the spirit of modern Sri Lankan engineering, a blend of technical expertise, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to national progress