Abstract:
Engineering as implied by the modern usage of the term is of
comparatively recent origin. But if one were to define engineering as
using natural resources for the service of man, then it can be considered
to be over thousands of years old. The hydraulic civilization of the Sinhala
Kings can best be defined as a product of Engineering. The Great Wall of
China, the Pyramids of Egypt have been “Engineered” by humans for
whatever purpose that was deemed necessary at those ancient times.
What name we give these builders today is a matter of opinion. Do we call
them Engineers? Can a large tank like the Parakrama Samudra be built
today without having Engineers of all the present day specializations,
namely Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Agricultural, Materials,
Chemical, Textile etc. We may have to add to this already long list, as
Telecommunications, Computer Engineering, Defense Engineering are
without doubt absolutely necessary to complete any modern project with
speed and economy.
