Dear Uva Wellassa University Community,

I am deeply honored and excited to assume the role of Vice Chancellor at Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka. My primary focus will be to nurture an environment that promotes academic excellence, drives innovative research, and enhances student success. Building upon our university’s strong foundation, I am eager to collaborate with each of you to advance our collective goals.

Our university has a distinguished tradition of fostering innovation, upholding academic rigor, and supporting student welfare. I am committed to furthering these values and working together with all members of our community to achieve our strategic objectives.

The Faculty of Technological Studies at Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka is pleased to announce the promotion of Professor Kolitha Bandara Wijesekara to the position of Senior Professor in the Department of Biosystems Technology. This promotion marks a significant milestone as he becomes the very first Senior Professor in the history of Uva Wellassa University, bringing a meritorious record to the institution.

Senior Professor Kolitha Bandara Wijesekara is an alumnus of Kingswood College, Kandy. He earned a Bachelor of Science with a specialization in Botany from the University of Peradeniya, followed by a Master of Philosophy in Plant Sciences from the same university. He then obtained his Dr. Sc. Agr. degree in Plant Biotechnology from the prestigious Georg August University in Göttingen, Germany. Professor Wijesekara joined Uva Wellassa University as the very first Senior Lecturer and was subsequently promoted to Professor, becoming the university’s first professor.

Currently, Senior Professor Kolitha Bandara Wijesekara serves as the 5th Vice Chancellor of Uva Wellassa University. Prior to this appointment, he was the founding Dean of the Faculty of Technological Studies and held several prestigious academic and administrative positions within the university.

The Faculty of Technological Studies extends heartfelt congratulations to Senior Professor Kolitha Bandara Wijesekara on his esteemed promotion. We wish him every success in his new role and look forward to the continued growth and success of the university under his leadership.

An undergraduate in the Department of Information and Communication Technology at Uva Wellassa University, for becoming the first Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador (MLSA) at our university!

The Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador program, led by Microsoft, aims to empower student leaders to promote technology education and innovation in their communities. As the first MLSA at Uva Wellassa University, Mr. Abishek now joins a distinguished group of student ambassadors worldwide.

These ambassadors play a vital role in encouraging collaboration, creativity, and creating inclusive learning environments globally. Their influence extends beyond our university, contributing to the broader field of technology education.

Once again, congratulations to Mr. Abishek Haththakage on this achievement, and we look forward to witnessing the positive impact of his role as a Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador at Uva Wellassa University.

The Department of Engineering Technology of the Faculty of Technological Studies successfully conducted a webinar on Optical Fibre Sensing for Infrastructure Resilience. The online event was held on 24^th August 2023 from 5.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. The participants from Sri Lanka, Australia, India, Iraq, and the United Kingdom attended the event.

Dr. Ginu Rajan from the Cardiff School of Technologies, United Kingdom presented cutting-edge developments in photonic sensing technologies and optical fibre sensors. An overview of current structural health monitoring techniques was given by Associate Professor Jayantha Epaarachchi from the University of Southern Queensland Australia. Eng. Minol Jayawikrema has shown the applicability of deep learning for structural health monitoring. The applicability of optical fibre sensors for geohazard monitoring was illustrated by Ms. Kusumi Anjana. In the end, Dr. Madhubhashitha Herath emphasised the importance of optical fibre sensors for disaster early warning. The session was successfully concluded after questions and answers. This event was supported by the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.

The “Team INICIO” from the Department of Information and Communication Technology, Faculty of Technological Studies of Uva Wellassa University has secured first place under the “Best Marketing” category at Pathfinder 3.0. The event, organized by the NexGen Marketers Association of Uva Wellassa University aimed to develop video commercials that would help revive Sri Lanka’s economy amidst the current crisis.

The competition consisted of two categories: “Made in Sri Lanka” Products, Services, and Businesses (SME), and “New Products, Services, Inventions, Innovative Ideas & Concepts, and Solutions”. INICIO chose to focus on the “Made in Sri Lanka” category, specifically utilizing Herbal Porridge powder for their project.

The team comprised of Isuru Dhananjaya, Pawani Bhagya, Abishek Haththakage, Sahan Madushka and Layan Yasoda who worked diligently to create a compelling one-minute advertisement showcasing the benefits and uniqueness of the Herbal Porridge powder. Their advertisement captivated the judges’ attention, ultimately earning them the top spot in the Best Marketing category. The recognition received by the INICIO Group will undoubtedly serve as an inspiration for other aspiring marketers and entrepreneurs.

Pathfinder 3.0 provided an excellent platform for students to demonstrate their marketing skills and innovative thinking. INICIO’s success not only highlights their exceptional abilities but also showcases the potential of Sri Lanka’s youth to contribute to the nation’s economic growth.

As a department, we wish all the very best to the winning team !!!

It is with deep sorrow  that we inform the unfortunate demise of Mr. Nimal Dabare, President of the Badulla Business Society and a respected member of the Uva Wellassa University Council. Mr. Dabare’s association with Uva Wellassa University as a member of the Council has been invaluable. His wisdom, guidance, and unwavering support have played a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of our university.

On behalf of the entire UWU family, we express our deepest sympathies to Mr. Dabare’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. 

“IESL Robo Games – 2022” was held recently where the contestants were challenged to program a given virtual robot in Webots, a free robot simulation software, to solve a specified task. This exciting competition featured two categories: the school category and the university category.

The competition was organized by the Information Technology and Computer Engineering Sectional Committee of the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Moratuwa, and powered by Sri Lanka Mobitel.

The award ceremony took place on Friday, March 17, 2023, at the Auditorium of the Sri Lanka Telecom Head Office, Colombo.

Mr. Charith Dilshan at the Department of Engineering Technology won the Second Runner-Up in the University Category and a Cash Prize of LKR 50,000.00. We congratulate Mr. Dilshan on this achievement and appreciate the guidance provided by Eng. Sudeera Wijetunga.

The second student batch of the Faculty of Technological Studies graduated in the 12th general convocation 2021 which was held on 27th January 2023 at Magam Ruhunupura International Convention Centre (MRICC). This convocation consisted of two sessions. During the second session, students of the Faculty of Technological Studies graduated. In this convocation, 78 students were conferred with a Bachelor of Biosystems Technology Honours degree and 83 students were conferred with a Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Mechanical Engineering Technology degree. Students who had the most outstanding academic performances obtained certificates and awards at the convocation. Those students of the Faculty of Technological Studies are below:

Vice-Chancellor’s awards for the best performance in the Bachelor of Biosystems Technology Honours Degree Programme

Kodikarage Tharusha Dulanjali Kariyawasam

Vice-Chancellor’s awards for the best performance in the Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Mechanical Engineering Technology Degree Programme

Gallawa Disawage Waruna Jayampathi Godawela

Gold Medal and Cash Prize awarded by Pelwatte Diary Industries for the Highest Achiever in Industrial Training in the Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Mechanical Engineering Technology Degree Programme

Wickramanayake Pathirannahalage Sajith Dilshan

Chancellor of the Uva Wellassa University, Thripitakacharya, Dharma Keerthi Sri Sumangala Rathanapala Dhammarakkhitha Most Venerable Bengamuwe Sri Dhammadinna Nayake Thero, Chief Incumbent of Sripada Temple, Chief Incumbent of Rathnapura Pothgul Rajamaha Viharaya and Pelmadulu Rajamaha Viharaya, Chief Sanganayaka of Rathnapura Maha Disawa, Professor Jayantha Lal Rathnasekara, Vice-Chancellor of the Uva Wellassa University, Deans, Librarian, Registrar, Bursar, Senate members, Council members, academic staff members, non-academic staff members, and parents were among the participants of this special ceremony.

Professor Ajantha Dharmasiri, Former Director of the Institute of Management, University of Sri Jayewardenepura delivered the convocation address for the morning session. Professor Kapila Perera, Former Secretary of the Ministry of Education and the Former Vice Chancellor University of Moratuwa delivered the convocation address for the evening session.

The Dean of the Faculty of Technological Studies adds his warmest wishes to the gradunats.

As the faculty, we are incredibly proud of all you have endured and accomplished. The whole world is looking for the gifts and talents of technologists. Remember to always embark on who you are, trust your heart, embrace life with passion, and keep following your dreams.

The first session of the EMaSS workshop series was conducted for undergraduates of the Bachelor  of Engineering Technology degree programme under the topic “Build a Successful Career in  Engineering Technology” on the 2nd of June 2022 at the auditorium of the Faculty of Technological  Studies. The session was organized by the Department of Engineering Technology. The speaker  was Eng. Nalinda Deshantha Tilakaratne. The main objective of the session was to share his knowledge and experience with the Sri Lankan Industrial Community in a more effective manner. Professor (Dr.) K.B. Wijesekara, the Dean of the Faculty of Technological Studies, Dr. Y.N.S.  Wijewardana, Head of the Department of Engineering Technology and academic staff members  of the department participated in the session.

Eng. Nalinda obtained his BSc. Degree in Electrical & Electronics Engineering from the  University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka in 1995. He started his career as a young engineer at Kabool  Magnetics (a Computer Hard Disc Drive manufacturer) and then move on to work for several other  engineering companies here and abroad. Later on, as a mature engineer, he started his own  company in 2003. He counts industrial work experience of over 20 years, some of which include  responsibilities taken as an Electrical & Instrumentation Design and Consultation Engineer. He  gathered vast experience and skills in control and automation while working with expertise from  USA, India and South Korea. His present contribution in Control Engineering spans several  establishments such as CPC (Fuel-Farm Projects in BIA & HIA), Ministry of Health (Some  Hospitals), Mahaweli Authority and Irrigation Department (several DSWRPP projects such as  Randenigala and Kothmale) and certain diplomatic missions in Colombo.

The first student batch of the Faculty of Technological Studies was graduated in the 11th general convocation 2020 which was held on 25th March 2022 at Magam Ruhunupura International Convention Centre (MRICC).

This convocation consisted of two sessions. During the first session, students of the Faculty of Technological Studies were graduated. In this convocation, 80 students were conferred with a Bachelor of Biosystems Technology Honours degree and 56 students were conferred with a Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Mechanical Engineering Technology degree.

Students who had the most outstanding academic performances obtained certificates and awards at the convocation. Those students of the Faculty of Technological Studies are below:

Vice-Chancellor’s awards for the best performance in the Bachelor of Biosystems Technology Honours Degree Programme

Rampathige Dineka Senani Anurasena

Vice-Chancellor’s awards for the best performance in the Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Mechanical Engineering Technology Degree Programme

Yapa Pathiranage Lakshika Madushani

Chancellor of the Uva Wellassa University, Thripitakacharya, Dharma Keerthi Sri Sumangala Rathanapala Dhammarakkhitha Most Venerable Bengamuwe Sri Dhammadinna Nayake Thero, Chief Incumbent of Sripada Temple, Chief Incumbent of Rathnapura Pothgul Rajamaha Viharaya and Pelmadulu Rajamaha Viharaya, Chief Sanganayaka of Rathnapura Maha Disawa, Professor Jayantha Lal Rathnasekara, Vice-Chancellor of the Uva Wellassa University, Deans, Librarian, Registrar, Bursar, Senate members, Council members, academic staff members, non-academic staff members, and parents were among the participants of this special ceremony.

As the faculty, we are incredibly proud of all you have endured and accomplished. The whole world is looking for the gifts and talents of technologists. Remember to always embark on who you are, trust your heart, embrace life with passion, and keep following your dreams.