In a moment that will be remembered for years, Nadeesha Chandrasena stepped down from the stage to a sea of applause at the 2024 Australian Good Design Awards, recognized as one of the world’s longest-running and most prestigious design programs. With a broad smile and glistening eyes, she held the award for the best engineering design in the world—a triumph over global competitors, even outshining Tesla’s renowned designs. It was a proud moment not just for Nadeesha, but for Sri Lanka, the nation she calls home.
The Smart Drain
Nadisha Chandrasena’s groundbreaking innovation, the ” Smart Drain”, is a dual-channel drainage system that tackles one of the world’s most pressing urban challenges: flooding caused by clogged drains. In rapidly developing cities, ageing infrastructure and inefficient drainage systems lead to catastrophic flash floods, which disrupt transportation, damage property, and claim lives. Nadisha’s Solid Waste Clog-Resistant Smart Drain offers a solution. Her work focuses on creating sustainable solutions to enhance urban living conditions, with a particular focus on connectivity and flood prevention.
Her invention, which prevents solid waste like plastics from clogging drainage systems, ensures uninterrupted water flow even during severe weather conditions. By combining mechanical and digital technology, Nadisha has revolutionized how urban drainage systems function. Retrofitted onto existing drains, the Smart Drain minimizes the risk of flash floods and offers a sustainable solution to urban infrastructure problems worldwide.
Her victory is a testament to the power of Sri Lankan ingenuity on the world stage, bringing home not just an award but a wave of national pride. Speaking after her win, Nadisha emotionally declared, “This is for Sri Lanka, the tiny island that provides us with free healthcare, free education up to university, and makes us global citizens.”
This is More Than Just an Award
Dr. Nadisha Chandrasena is not just an award-winning innovator; she is a symbol of hope and resilience. Her success serves as an inspiration to many, especially in Sri Lanka, where she has become a household name. Whenever floods occur due to clogged drains, people joke that “Nadeesha akka (sister) can solve this!” It’s a testament to the impact of her work and her ability to touch lives far beyond the engineering world.
Her Smart Drain is not just an engineering solution; it’s a lifeline for cities struggling with the effects of climate change and outdated infrastructure. By preventing floods, it helps protect lives, property, and the environment—making a lasting difference in urban centers worldwide.
Dr. Nadeesha’s Journey
Born and raised in Galle, Sri Lanka, Nadisha’s journey to becoming a world-renowned Urban innovator started in her hometown. She completed her schooling at Sacred Heart Convent in Galle and Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya before pursuing her first degree at the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka.
As Dr. Nadeesha Chandrasena stepped down from the stage amidst the applause of dignitaries and peers, she carried more than just an award—she carried the pride of a nation. Her journey from Sri Lanka to global recognition at the Australian Good Design Awards is a reminder that with determination and innovative thinking, even the most complex problems can be solved. Nadisha’s Smart Drain is more than an engineering marvel; it’s a symbol of hope, resilience, and the immense potential of Sri Lankan ingenuity. In her words, “This is for Sri Lanka,” and her success truly shines as a beacon for the next generation of innovators.
