Teen Tech Wizard of IIT Campus
Informatics Institute of Technology (IIT Campus) is renowned as a place for great Sri Lankan innovators. During the 25 years of educational excellence, IIT Campus has played a pivotal role in transforming ordinary students to extraordinary entrepreneurs and innovators by grooming them to pursue their dreams and achieve success in their chosen path.
An enthusiast of cinematography and technology, 18 year old Kaveen Rodrigo who is a Software Engineering student at IIT Campus is ready to take on the fast paced digital world with his own streak of innovations. He is an ardent advocate of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS), an expert in mobile application programming and embedded electronics. He is a popular technology blogger and the creator of a twitter automation system called SiripalaBot which is also open source Sri Lankan content aggregator which has received much popularity. He is also the creator of “Wiseman Scanner” which is a product rating and review mobile application meant to empower the consumer.
“Since my childhood, I had a passion for electronics, computing, drama and cinema. But computing was always in a higher priority. Unlike electronics, just having the computer is enough to create something that will have a positive impact on others. I’m an artist and the computer is my canvas. I believe in creating applications that will make new experiences, therefore I do study designing in my free time and I never miss small details in the exterior interface of the programme,” Kaveen said.
“I’m a strong believer in free and open source software and free speech. I instill my beliefs into my work. Most of my scripts, programmes and findings are made free to copy or modify on the web, therefore everyone can take advantage of this,” Kaveen who is a on the path to establishing the IIT Foss Enthusiast, which is a club where free and open source software is promoted and taught said.
“What motivated me to join IIT Campus was Cutting Edge which is a competition that allows students to showcase their projects to the public and to the industry leaders. When I was in school I attended Cutting Edge. I was mesmerized by the innovative technological creations that were showcased. At that point I knew, where I want to be in a couple of years, and I imagined winning Cutting Edge,” he said.
Kaveen joined IIT Campus by enrolling for the Foundation Programme. He went onto top his batch in Cutting Edge for his mobile app, Wiseman Scanner. He is currently in the IIT Toastmasters Executive Committee as the Sergeant- at- Arms and takes part in many extracurricular activities.
“Joining IIT is one of the best things that has ever happened. IIT Campus opened a fast lane to achieve everything I had in mind. When I was in School I lacked the interest to pursue my Advanced Levels. However, my parents enrolled me into IIT and it has been a platform for success. IIT has the perfect balance, culture and atmosphere. The coursework given to us is always interesting and always inspires us to learn more. The current venture I’m pitching for wouldn’t have happened without the help of my colleagues and the support I get from IIT Campus. Through IIT, I was able to gain exposure to meet a lot of interesting and helpful people,” the teen tech wizard elaborating on his campus journey said.
IIT which is the unmatched pioneer in quality British higher education in Business and Information Technology in Sri Lanka has earned a wide reputation as a solid, professional training campus, catering to the needs of the students and producing well-rounded and highly employable graduates, to anticipate the professional world by being armed with confidence and knowledge.
Apart from academic knowledge, IIT also places great importance in Soft Skill Development, Team work, Motivational projects, Presentation skills and other professional attitudes by encouraging students to take part in national and international competitions such as Microsoft Imagine Cup, National Best Quality Software Awards ( NBQSA), Google Summer of Code and e-Swabhimani in which IIT has won many accolades at these competitions.
With a dedicated team of lecturers and administrators, IIT remains the number one choice amongst students for IT and Business degrees. For further information, write to IIT on “admissions@iit. ac.lk” or call the IIT Main Campus hotline 0722 72 72 72. IIT also welcomes prospective students to visit and talk to counselors at IIT Main Campus at No. 57, Ramakrishna Rd, Colombo 6.