| A. J. P. Ponrajah | |
| Honorific Suffix: | FICE |
| Birth Date: | 4 February 1927 |
| Occupation: | Civil engineer |
Anthony James Princely Ponrajah was a leading Sri Lankan civil engineer and Director of Irrigation in Sri Lanka.[1] [2]
Ponrajah was born on 4 February 1927.[1] [3] He was the son of Ponrajah, a proctor from Mannar in northern province of Ceylon. After school he obtained a BSc degree from the University of London.[3]
Ponrajah married Tirzah, daughter of the Chief Postmaster Fry from Jaffna.[3] They had three children - Dr Anthony Naushad, Ranendra and Rupvanthy.[2]
After graduating in 1950 Ponrajah worked briefly as an instructor at the Technical College. He joined the Irrigation Department in 1951 as an Assistant Engineer.[3] He was promoted through the ranks and at the age of 50 became Director of Irrigation.[3] He retired on 4 February 1985.[1]
Ponrajah died on 26 January 1986.[1]
In 1988 the Irrigation Department published a book containing a collection of technical notes written by Ponrajah during his career.[1] In 2011 the Irrigation Department Ex-Officers’ Association launched a scholarship named after Ponrajah.[1]