As part of the IGNITE Engineering and Innovation Exhibition organized by the Faculty of Engineering at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU), a series of workshops was held, catering to both undergraduates and school students. The sessions brought together academics from KDU, undergraduate students, and school students from over ten schools across the country.
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The program commenced with a warm welcome from Prof. T.L. Weerawardane, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, followed by an address from Rear Admiral H.G.U. Dammika Kumara, Vice Chancellor of the KDU.
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First Keynote Speech: Sustainable Water Management for Growing Population under a Changing Climate
The first keynote speech was delivered by Prof. G.G. Tushara Chaminda of the University of Ruhuna, who shared valuable insights on sustainable water management in the face of population growth and climate change. Drawing from his expertise in civil and environmental engineering and his role as a board member of the National Water Supply & Drainage Board, Prof. Chaminda emphasized the critical importance of responsible resource management.
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Second Keynote speech: Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The morning session continued with an engaging presentation by Eng. Nalin S. de Silva, Director of the State Engineering Corporation, who spoke on "Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship." His session highlighted the pivotal role engineers play in technological advancements and business ventures, inspiring aspiring innovators to push boundaries in their fields.
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Think, Design, Solve: A Practical Guide to Design Thinking
Eng. S.U. Dampage, Senior Lecturer from the Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Telecommunication Engineering, led an interactive session on design thinking, encouraging participants to engage in group activities that nurtured creativity and problem-solving skills.
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Following these insightful discussions, the program branched into two specialized tracks: one tailored for school students and the other for undergraduates.
Workshops for School Students
Technology and You: Unveiling the Power of Disruptive Technologies
Led by Mr. C.D. Karunaratne, Lecturer from the Department of Aeronautical Engineering, this session introduced students to groundbreaking technologies shaping the modern world and their societal impacts.
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Mathematics for the Modern Engineer
Conducted by Mr. D.A. Rohana, Senior Lecturer from the Department of Mathematics, this workshop simplified essential mathematical principles used in engineering, making them accessible and relevant across various disciplines.
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Wings of Inspiration: Drone Pilot Program
Capt. S.N. Kiriwella, Senior Lecturer from the Department of Aeronautical Engineering, captivated attendees with insights into aviation and drone technology, culminating in an exciting live drone demonstration on the KDU grounds.
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Workshops for Undergraduates
Sustainability for the Building Industry
Mr. Surendra Perera, General Manager Operations at CleanCo Lanka, explored eco-friendly construction techniques and their role in shaping a sustainable future for the sector.
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Hands-on Machine Learning: Building Intelligent Systems
Patenting and Commercializing Your Invention
Ms. Vindya Wijesinghe, Senior Innovation Officer from the National Innovation Agency, offered actionable advice on securing patents and turning innovative ideas into marketable products.
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Designing for Wearable Technology
Dr. Angelo Karunaratne, Tech and Strategic Ops Lead at Softmatter, Twinery- Innovations by MAS, introduced the exciting world of wearable devices, sparking creativity among students designing for the future.
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Engineering Design with SolidWorks
Mr. Krishnakumar Kumarawelu, Technical manager at ACECAM Pvt Ltd, delivered an interactive workshop on using SolidWorks, to bring innovative engineering solutions to life.
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The event underscored KDU’s commitment to fostering engineering excellence, blending academic rigor with practical skills. From sustainability to artificial intelligence, participants left with a renewed appreciation for the boundless possibilities within the field of engineering innovation.
