Premala Sivaprakasapillai Sivasegaram facts for kids

Premala Sivaprakasapillai, born on April 22, 1942, is a famous engineer from Sri Lanka. She made history by becoming the country's very first female engineer. She was also the first woman to work as a civil engineer. Premala is a respected member of the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka. In 2019, the Sri Lankan parliament honored her as one of twelve important women who brought positive change. This special recognition happened around International Women's Day.

Early Life and Family

Premala Sivaprakasapillai was born in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Her birth took place on April 22, 1942. Her family was staying in her granduncle's home at Jaffna Fort.

Her father, Thambyapillai Sivaprakasapillai, was also an engineer. He worked at the Colombo Port. Her family lived in Colombo for a while. However, they had to move back to Jaffna. This happened after the Japanese bombed Colombo Port in 1942.

Education and Career

Premala Sivaprakasapillai went to school at the Ladies' College, Colombo. After that, she joined the engineering program at the University of Ceylon in 1960. She was one of only two girls in her class who studied mathematics.

Becoming the First Female Engineer

In 1964, Premala achieved a huge milestone. She became Sri Lanka's first female engineering graduate. This made her the country's first female engineer. After finishing her studies, she worked as an instructor at the university. She taught engineering students there.

Studying in Oxford

Premala received a special scholarship. This allowed her to study at Somerville College, Oxford in England. There, she earned a doctorate degree. Her advanced studies focused on structural engineering.

In 1967, she attended an important meeting. It was the International Conference for Women Engineers and Scientists. She represented Somerville College at this event. While studying in England, she joined the British Women's Engineering Society in 1966. She also helped launch the first Women in Engineering Year in 1969.

Return to Sri Lanka

In 1978, Premala made history again. She became the first female chief structural engineer in Sri Lanka. She then moved to the Designs Office in Colombo. She was a key engineer when new economic plans were started in 1977. These plans were introduced by President Junius Richard Jayawardene.

Later, Premala moved to England after a period of unrest in Sri Lanka in 1983. She returned to Sri Lanka once things became peaceful again.

Awards and Recognition

Premala Sivaprakasapillai has received several honors for her work.

Engineering Excellence Award

In 2015, she was given a special award. It was called the 'Excellence in Engineering Award'. The Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka presented her with this honor.

Female Change-Maker

In March 2019, the parliament recognized her. She was named one of twelve female change-makers in Sri Lanka. This honor celebrated women who have made a big difference. It happened around the time of International Women's Day.