USJ symposium facilitates Engineering knowledge-exchange

The University of Sri Jayewardenepura Engineering Faculty held a symposium geared towards facilitating cross-disciplinary collaboration and knowledgeexchange among researchers on February 28, at the University Senate Board Room.

The symposium attracted researchers from diverse engineering fields and backgrounds, enabling them to connect and engage in conversations about their current research projects.

The symposium also provided a platform for the advancement of the engineering field as a whole, with attendees offering insight to new ideas and perspectives, as well as opportunities to enhance their skills. The event was also a chance for undergraduate students to showcase their talents and nurture their creativity, confidence, and motivation.

The symposium included invited talks from renowned academics, including Dr Arjuna Madanayake from Florida International University, USA, Dr Sirani M Perera from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, USA, and Eng Sanath Panawenna, Director General and CEO at Arthur C Clarke Institute, Sri Lanka. The talks covered a wide range of topics, Including Artificial Intelligence, Microelectronics Research, and Energy Planning.

The agenda contained a welcome speech by Dr Thilaksiri Bandara, Dean Faculty of Engineering, USJ, and an address by guest of honour Prof Upul Subasinghe, Acting Vice-Chancellor, USJ. Chief guest Snr Prof Sampath Amarathunga, Chairman, University Grants Commission, also delivered an address. Other speakers discussed topics such as Artificial Intelligence, Microelectronics Research for Wireless Communications and Computation, and Holistic and Integrated Energy Planning. There was also a talent show starring undergraduate students and a panel discussion on ‘Convergence in Research’.

The symposium ended with a panel discussion on ‘Convergence in Research’ led by Prof Chaminda Konthesingha, with panelists Dr Dhanushka Udayanga, Dr Bhagya Nathali Silva, Dr Gaya Jayakodi, and Dr Surani Tissera. The event was moderated by Dr Niranji Satanarachchi, Dr Nadika Jayasooriya, Dr Shyam Kularathna, and Dr Dulini Yasara Mudunkotuwa.

The symposium was organised by a scientific committee consisting of Dr Thilaksiri Bandara, Dr Sirani M Perera, and Dr Niranji Satanarachchi, with cochairs Dr Nishan Dharmaweera, Dr Udaya Wijenayake, and Dr Uditha Wijewardhana. The technical committee included Dr Dulini Yasara Mudunkotuwa, Dr Shyam Kularathna, Dr Sameera Samarasekara, Dr Nadika Jayasooriya, Dr Vidura Jayasooriya, Ms Umaya Balagalla, Ms Chamali Gamage, and Mr Deshan Kalupahana.