Sterling Steels Limited has formalized a strategic collaboration with the University of Moratuwa, Department of Civil Engineering through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening academic and industry-based research within Sri Lanka’s Steel Building Construction sectors. The partnership underscores a shared commitment to innovation, knowledge exchange, and the practical application of academic research to address real-world industry challenges.

Under the MoU, the University of Moratuwa will lead and conduct applied research initiatives, while Sterling Steels will provide technical expertise, industry insights, and access to facilities and materials to support research, testing, and industrial exposure. The collaboration is guided by Professor Udeni Nawagamuwa, Head of the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Moratuwa, with Sterling Steels represented by its Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Kemantha Perera. Research activities will be supervised by Dr. H. M. S. T. Herath, Senior Lecturer, Department of Civil Engineering.

The partnership is designed to create structured opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students to engage in industry-relevant research and development activities, while enabling academic staff to work closely with industry practitioners. It also aims to enhance Sterling Steels’ research-driven innovation capabilities by leveraging the University’s academic and technical expertise, fostering joint projects, publications, and knowledge-sharing initiatives that contribute to the long-term advancement of Sri Lanka’s construction and manufacturing industries.

Research under the collaboration will focus on key structural engineering areas, including the design and performance of cold-formed steel sections and connections under complex loading conditions. These studies are expected to generate insights that support improved design practices, material efficiency, and structural resilience, with relevance to both local and regional construction contexts.

Commenting on the collaboration, Mr. Kemantha Perera, Chief Operating Officer of Sterling Steels Limited, said, “This partnership reflects our belief that sustainable industry growth must be anchored in rigorous research and close collaboration with academia. By working with the University of Moratuwa, we are not only supporting the next generation of engineers and researchers but also strengthening our own innovation capabilities to deliver safer, more efficient steel solutions for Sri Lanka’s evolving construction landscape.

The MoU forms part of Sterling Steels’ broader corporate responsibility agenda, which prioritizes support for higher education, research excellence, and capacity building within critical national industries. The signing ceremony took place at the University of Moratuwa, with representatives from both institutions in attendance.

About Sterling Steels (Pvt) Ltd,

Sterling Steels (Pvt) Ltd, formerly BlueScope Lysaght, is a subsidiary of the E.B. Creasy Group. With over 30 years of industry expertise, the company is a leading provider of premium steel roofing solutions in Sri Lanka. Its products are engineered to meet the highest standards of innovation, durability, and sustainability, serving the diverse needs of the nation’s construction industry.

Photo Caption - Mr. Kemathna Perera (Chief Operating Officer, Sterling Steels Limited), Professor Udeni Nawagamuwa (Head of the Department, Department of Civil Engineering), Dr.H.M.S.T.Herath (Department of Civil Engineering), A.G.L.Sandeepa (Head of Engineering, Sterling Steels Limited)