The launch of ‘The Nail’, a magazine created by the Civil and Environmental Society of the Faculty of Engineering, University of Jaffna, was held on Thursday morning, 23rd January 2025, at the University of Jaffna.
The event was graced by the Honourable Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayakan, as the Chief Guest. The Vice-Chancellor of Jaffna University, Prof. C. Sirisarkunaraja, attended as the Special Guest, while the Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Cultural Affairs, Sports, and Youth Affairs of the Northern Province, M. Patrick Diranjan, was the Guest of Honour.
In his speech, the Governor reflected on the contributions of engineers to the Northern Province over the years. He noted that while many engineers have worked tirelessly for the region, there is a lack of proper documentation of their efforts. Specifically, he mentioned the Arumugam Project, which has been widely discussed in Jaffna but lacks comprehensive records.
The Governor praised ‘The Nail’ for addressing this gap by documenting the challenges and experiences faced by engineers. He described the magazine as an excellent initiative that provides a valuable platform to showcase the contributions of the engineering community. He commended the efforts behind the publication, emphasizing its importance in preserving and sharing the work of engineers.
The Governor also highlighted the importance of facing challenges for personal and professional growth. He stated, “We cannot develop unless we face challenges. We only grow when we confront them, and through this, we can achieve further progress.” He added that hands-on experience and practical knowledge are more valuable than theoretical instruction alone.
A key feature of ‘The Nail’ is its inclusion of students’ creations, which encourages innovative thinking and experimentation. The Governor emphasized that beyond book learning, experiments and practical exercises are essential for students. Without such experiences, he noted, their education remains incomplete.
