Emeritus Professor B L Tennekoon
1942-2025
It is with profound sadness that we share the sorrowful news of the passing away of Emeritus Professor Prof B L Tennekoon on 30th March 2025.
Basil Laliputra Tennekoon graduated with first-class honours from the University of Peradeniya in 1965 and completed his PhD at Cambridge University in 1970. After serving the University of Peradeniya for a few years, he joined the newly established Katubedda Campus of the University of Sri Lanka, the present University of Moratuwa in 1975. He became a professor in 1978 and a senior professor in 1991. He was the head of the department of Civil Engineering from 1980 to 1986 and the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering from 1994 to 1995. He was the President of the Sri Lankan Geotechnical Society from 1994 to 2000.
He was an exemplary teacher, a role model, and a remarkable guiding force. His students are highly appreciative of the analytical vigor generated in their minds by studying under Professor Lal Tennekoon. He was also a highly competent researcher and a consultant, an enormous strength to the Geotechnical Engineering community of Sri Lanka. He took the leadership and guided his younger colleagues and research students to establish new frontiers of knowledge.
Above all, he was a perfect gentleman and a true human being.
May his soul rest in peace
