Nihal Vitharana
About Nihal Vitharana
Nihal Vitharana is the Australasian Dams Leader and Seismic Skills Leader at Arup, with extensive experience in dam engineering and seismic skills.
Current Position at Arup
Nihal Vitharana has been with Arup since 2014, serving as the Australasian Dams Leader and Seismic Skills Leader. In this role, he oversees dam projects across the Australasian region. His responsibility includes integrating innovative seismic solutions into dam engineering projects, utilizing his extensive background in both fields.
Previous Experience at SKM
Prior to joining Arup, Nihal Vitharana worked at SKM as a Dams Engineer from 2001 to 2013. During his 12-year tenure at SKM, he accumulated significant experience in dam engineering. This period allowed him to develop a robust skill set in the field, which he has continued to build upon in his later roles.
Educational Background
Nihal Vitharana's educational journey began at Rahula College - Matara in 1970. He then progressed to the University of Moratuwa, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from 1977 to 1981. He furthered his studies at the University of Canterbury, earning a Doctorate in Engineering (Doctor of Philosophy) between 1985 and 1990. Finally, he completed a Master’s degree in Engineering from the University of Sydney, Australia, from 1993 to 1995.
Expertise and Leadership in Engineering
Combining his deep expertise in engineering with a strong focus on seismic skills, Nihal Vitharana plays a pivotal role in delivering innovative solutions at Arup. His leadership extends to managing dam engineering projects, ensuring they meet high standards of safety and efficiency. His extensive academic background and practical experience make him a valuable asset to the organization.