The Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka established in 1956 was the successor to the then Engineering Association of Ceylon which was founded in 1906 at Anuradhapura by a few dedicated engineers serving in the public sector, with the objective of providing general advancement of science and practice of engineering in all disciplines concerned according to rules agreed to by its members. In 1968, the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka was made an incorporated body of the Government by an act of parliament. It represents the interests of the engineering profession and the general public its members serve.

The Annual Sessions of the Institution are held in October, every year, and lasts for about one week. The sessions which are ceremoniously and customarily inaugurated by a representative of the government who will be the chief guest will provide the members of the Institution with an opportunity to present technical papers , take part in a visit to a site of national interest where engineering works involving latest technology take place and attend international or national level seminars held locally.

The Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka which is the largest and the apex body of engineering in the country currently has a membership of over 9000 , It is generally open to any person associated with engineering who will be admitted in to a particular class of membership depending on the academic qualifications and the experience he or she possess. The Institution has two broad classes of membership. Corporate Members and Non-Corporate Members. Fellows and members of the Institution are Corporate Members while Honorary Fellows, Companions, Associate members, Associates and Students are Non-Corporate Members. The Institution is geared to provide various services, facilities and benefits to its members to enable them to advance their careers and attain their professional goals.

The Institution is administered by a Council consisting of the President, President-Elect, the immediate Past President, three Vice Presidents, seven Sectional Committee Chairmen, and other members elected by the Corporate Membership. Among the other members would be one Past President, six Fellows and ten Members of whom at least five shall be under forty years of age at the time of election. There are altogether thirty- two (32) members in the Council.

The Council is supported by the Secretariat headed by an Executive Secretary with employed staff under him.