Brief History of Sri Lankan Chapter 171

Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka is an island of the Indian Ocean with a recorded history dating back to around 30,000 years. The island was known as Heladiva, Lankadweepa, Taprobane, Serandib, Ceylon etc, during its foreign occupations. The name of the country was changed to Sri Lanka (‘beautiful island’) when it became a republic in 1972. It’s also known as the “Pearl of Indian Ocean” and has a pleasant tropical climate with average temperatures between 30 degrees Celsius. Sri Lanka is a multi-religious and multi-ethnic country with 65,600 Sq.Km of its area extent, population of 21.2 Million. Sri Lanka’s Per Capita GDP is presently US$ 3,818.161 (2015) – the highest in South Asia and the Literacy rate is over 92% .Sri Lanka is engaging in large-scale reconstruction and development projects following the end of the 30 year of dark era, According to ADB forecast Sri Lanka’s social indicators are among the best in South Asia.

Sri Lankan Chapter 171: The oldest ASHRAE member in Sri Lanka had been appointed in the late 1960’s. The formation of the ASHRAE Sri Lankan chapter was proposed at a meeting in April 2001. After completing the formalities by the steering committee the Chartering Ceremony was subsequently officiated in the year 2002 by the President of ASHRAE Mr. William J. Coad and Mr. Samir Traboulsi as the guest of honour who was instrumental in forming the local Chapter.

Currently the Sri Lankan chapter consists of 106 Members, 27 Student Members and has chartered two student chapters. We will celebrate our 14th Chapter Anniversary in the year 2016. We are also honoured to host CRC of the RAL in Sri Lanka in 2012. ASHRAE SL chapter is the leading and active professional body in HVAC&R field locally. The local chapter contributes to the HVAC&R trade practices and to the Society in Sri Lanka in numerous ways following the Visions, Missions and Code of ethics of ASHRAE. The activities of SL chapter can be seen in the diverse and wide portfolio of activities it has completed during the last 14 years detailed in this web site.