Sri Lankan-born urban innovator and civil engineer Nadeesha Chandrasena has made waves abroad, recently earning two prestigious accolades at the 2024 Australian Good Design Awards for her groundbreaking Smart Drain system. Her dual-channel drainage innovation, designed to combat clogged drains and prevent urban flooding, has proven to be an exceptional solution for cities with ageing infrastructure. Nadeesha’s Smart Drain not only earned her a Gold accolade in the Engineering Design category but also the coveted ‘Best in Class’ award.
The Journey to Recognition
Nadeesha’s success story is a testament to following one’s passion, even when the odds seem stacked. Reflecting on her journey to the Australian Good Design Awards, Nadeesha shared her surprise at the outcome. “To be honest, I applied at the last minute. I saw a LinkedIn post about the awards in May on the last day of applications. I decided to go for it and applied, handing over my prototype in July,” she said.
The recognition came on a significant day for her, as she recalls: “On 9 August, which was my birthday, I received an email saying I had won a Gold accolade in the Engineering Design category. The ‘Best in Class’ award was a complete surprise and was announced at the event. I never expected to win.”
Smart Drain: A Game-Changer for Urban Infrastructure
The Smart Drain, Nadeesha’s winning innovation, tackles a pressing global issue – urban flooding. Cities around the world, especially those with old or inefficient drainage systems, face significant challenges when it comes to stormwater management. With unpredictable weather patterns and rapid urban development, flash floods have become more common, often leading to transportation disruptions, property damage, and in extreme cases, loss of life.
Nadeesha’s Smart Drain offers a practical solution. Utilizing patented mechanical and digital technology, the system prevents solid waste – such as plastic and other debris – from clogging drains. By keeping drainage systems clear, the Smart Drain helps to minimize flash flooding, making urban environments safer and more resilient.
The impact of her innovation on urban stormwater management is what truly impressed the Good Design Awards jury. Her solution addresses a significant issue, with potential for application in cities around the world.
Following Your Passion
For Nadeesha, the recognition has been thrilling, but she emphasizes that the real key to her success has been pursuing her passion. Her last-minute application to the Good Design Awards is a reminder that sometimes taking a chance, even when it feels like a long shot, can lead to extraordinary outcomes. “I never expected to win,” she said, “but I followed through with my passion for solving urban challenges.”
Her achievement at the Australian Good Design Awards is not just a win for Nadeesha, but also a moment of pride for Sri Lanka, as she continues to represent her homeland on the international stage. Through her innovation and determination, Nadeesha is setting an inspiring example for aspiring engineers and innovators everywhere.
A Bright Future
As cities around the world continue to grapple with the challenges posed by climate change and urbanization, Nadeesha Chandrasena’s Smart Drain could become an essential part of stormwater management systems. Her success story underscores the importance of following your passion, taking bold steps, and embracing opportunities – even when they seem daunting.
𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞, 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞, 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥!
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