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Category: News

Field Visit to Explore Renewable Resources

Field Visit to Explore Renewable Resources

Date: June 28, 2025

On June 28, 2025, the IEEE PES Student Branch of the University of Jaffna organized an insightful field visit titled "Field Visit to Explore Renewable Resources" across the Kilinochchi premises. Approximately 60 members participated in the event, traveling by organized transport to visit four key renewable energy installations. The journey began at the Faculty of Agriculture's Biogas Plant with electricity generation capabilities, followed by a visit to the wind turbine and the innovative floating solar system located at the Faculty of Engineering. The tour concluded at the Department of Civil Engineering, where students examined the large-scale rooftop solar system.

Throughout the day, Eng. (Ms.) S. Nithusiga, the Advisor of the PES Student Branch, provided expert technical explanations for each power source. This hands-on experience offered students a unique opportunity to explore the mechanisms of diverse energy systems and understand their real-world applications within the university. By witnessing these operational technologies firsthand, members were able to effectively bridge the gap between their academic studies and the practicalities of renewable power generation.



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10th Anniversary of Kelani Shakthi CSR Program

10th Anniversary of Kelani Shakthi CSR Program

Date: 12th June 2025  | 
Location: Kilinochchi Premises

The ‘Kelani Shakthi’ CSR program, a collaborative initiative between Kelani Cables PLC and the Faculty of Engineering, University of Jaffna, celebrates its 10th anniversary on June 12 at the Kilinochchi premises under the patronage of university and industry representatives. The event will also mark the passing-out ceremony of 123 students from the 6th and 7th batches.

Since its inception in 2015, the one-year training program has equipped school leavers and beginners in the Jaffna peninsula with practical skills in domestic and industrial electrical wiring, producing nearly 186 qualified electrical technicians.

Introduced by Professor A. Atputharajah and Mr. Jayantha Wijesinghe, and formalized through an MoU signed in 2014, Kelani Shakthi has been extended twice due to strong community demand. Its successful ten-year continuity highlights the impact of university–industry collaboration in empowering youth through technical education and vocational training.



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Webinar on “Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry in Power & Energy

Webinar on “Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry in Power & Energy"

Date: May 24, 2025  | 
Platform: Zoom

The IEEE PES Student Branch Chapter of the University of Jaffna successfully inaugurated its 2025/26 committee calendar with a high-profile international webinar titled "Bridging the Gap between Academia and Industry in Power & Energy." Held on May 24, 2025, the session aimed to provide undergraduates and young professionals with a roadmap for transitioning from theoretical studies to the complex demands of the global energy sector.

The event featured Eng. Shaibu Ibrahim, a distinguished Senior Electrical Engineer at Acciona Energia USA. As a global IEEE Senior Member and a certified professional (PMP, NABCEP PVIP, LEED GA), Eng. Ibrahim brought a wealth of knowledge from his work on large-scale thermal and renewable energy projects across North America. His insights focused on the evolving landscape of power engineering and the multidisciplinary skills required to thrive in modern energy developments.

The webinar demonstrated remarkable global engagement, hosted via Zoom with a total of 94 participants. While the University of Jaffna was well-represented with 57 attendees, the session drew an international audience from 15 countries, including: USA, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Saudi Arabia, India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Cameroon, Mozambique, and South Sudan.

This diverse participation underscores the University of Jaffna’s growing influence within the global IEEE Power & Energy Society community. By facilitating such cross-continental dialogues, the PES Student Branch continues to empower students with the industry perspectives necessary to lead the future of renewable energy and power systems.



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Technical Talk: The Future with Electric Vehicles – Road to True Eco-Friendly Transportation

Technical Talk: The Future with Electric Vehicles – Road to True Eco-Friendly Transportation

Date: 4th March 2025

A technical talk on “The Future with Electric Vehicles – Road to True Eco-Friendly Transportation” was conducted on 4 March 2025 and delivered by Eng. Gayan Niroshana Bandara, Electronic Engineer at Vega Innovations (Pvt.) Ltd. The session provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the rapidly evolving electric vehicle (EV) industry and its role in creating a more sustainable transportation sector.

Technical Talk: Synthetic Inertia to Improve Frequency Stability in Modern Power Systems

Technical Talk: Synthetic Inertia to Improve Frequency Stability in Modern Power Systems

Date: 16 October 2024

On 16 October 2024, the Department organized a technical talk on “Synthetic Inertia to Improve Frequency Stability in Modern Power Systems”, delivered by Dr. Narendra De Silva, General Manager of Lanka Electricity Company (LECO). Dr. De Silva shared his extensive expertise in power systems and power electronics, highlighting the role of synthetic inertia in enhancing grid frequency stability amid increasing renewable energy integration.

The session provided valuable insights into modern power system challenges and emerging solutions, benefiting both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Participants actively engaged in discussions and gained practical knowledge from the speaker’s rich academic and industry experience.

Workshop on “Solar Panels”

Workshop on “Solar Panels”

Date: 8th of January 2024

On 8th of January 2024, a workshop on “Solar Panels”, was conducted at the Machines Laboratory in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE), University of Jaffna, with 20 participants. Targeted at E20 students, the workshop ran from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and was led by Prof. Atputharajah, Ms. S. Nithusiga, and Mr. N. Kopisankar.

The event featured a theoretical session under the title, “Improvement of Solar PV System Performance in Conjunction with Power Electronics”, which focussed on optimising solar PV systems with power electronics, followed by a hands-on session where participants worked directly with solar panels and related equipments. This blend of theory and practice provided a comprehensive learning experience and was met with positive feedback.



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Talk on “High Power Density Electrical Machines for Electrified Aircraft”

Talk on “High Power Density Electrical Machines for Electrified Aircraft”

Date: 21st of December 2023

The talk session on “High Power Density Electrical Machines for Electrified Aircraft,” organised by the IEEE PES Student Branch Chapter, in collaboration with IESL Vadakkin Chapter of the University of Jaffna, took place on 21st of December 2023, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Held both in person and via Zoom, the event featured Prof. Kiruba Sivasubramaniam Haran from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, U.S. who joined in person as a speaker.

Prof. Kiruba Sivasubramaniam Haran, renowned for his work on advanced electrical machines, provided a comprehensive exploration of the advancements in electric machine power density, focusing on hybrid electric aircraft applications. The session, attended by 50 participants, highlighted technological approaches, integration challenges, and the importance of these developments in achieving emission reduction goals in aviation. An engaging Q&A session allowed for discussion, enriching attendees’ understanding of the dynamic field of electrical machine engineering.



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Talk on “Smart Power Flow Controllers – A Necessity for the Future Power Grid”

Talk on “Smart Power Flow Controllers - A Necessity for the Future Power Grid”

Date: 20th of November 2023

The IEEE PES Student Branch Chapter, in collaboration with Electrical and Electronic Engineering Society (EEES), of the University of Jaffna, conducted a hybrid mode, technical talk on “Smart Power Flow Controllers - A Necessity for the Future Power Grid” on the 20th of November 2023, from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM. The session featured, Dr. Kalyan K. Sen, President & CTO of Sen Engineering Solutions, Inc., and an IEEE PES Distinguished Lecturer, who delved into the challenges of traditional power grids, the evolution to smart grids, and the role of intelligent power flow controllers in optimising grid performance.

With 50 engineering undergraduates in attendance, the talk covered managing renewable energy integration and showcased realworld applications and advancements.

Webinar on “Smart Grid and Renewable Integration”

Webinar on “Smart Grid and Renewable Integration”

Date: 26th of October 2023

Held on the 26th of October 2023 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM via Zoom, provided a platform for discussing the pressing challenges and opportunities within the realm of renewable energy. With 145 participants, the session featured Prof. Janaka Bandara Ekanayake, Chair Professor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Peradeniya, who shared insights on sustainable energy, barriers, solutions for achieving renewable targets, and system-level solutions like smart grids and virtual power plants.

The event fostered a deeper understanding of renewable energy integration, inspiring participants to contribute to a sustainable energy future.



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Launch of IEEE-PES-SBC-UoJ Official Website

Launch of IEEE-PES-SBC-UoJ Official Website

Date: 13th of October 2023

The IEEE-PES-SBC-UoJ successfully launched its official website, www.eng.jfn.ac.lk/ieee-pes, on 13th of October 2023, from 03:00 PM to 04:00 PM at the Seminar Building, Faculty of Engineering, University of Jaffna. The event was attended by 12 participants. The launch commenced with a warm introduction, followed by a welcoming speech from Mr. Charaka, the Chairperson of the IEEE-PES-SBC-UoJ.

Dr. K. Pirapaharan, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, University of Jaffna, shared valuable insights and officially launched the website, emphasising its significance and features. Prof. Athputharaja, the advisor of the IEEE-PES-SBC-UoJ delivered an inspiring speech on the role of technology in education and research. Mr. Akitha Anupriya Nawarathna, the Treasurer of the IEEE-PESSBC-UoJ, expressed gratitude in his thank you speech. The event, which showcased the website’s user-friendly design and functionalities, concluded successfully, marking a significant milestone for the chapter’s online presence. Special thanks were given to Mr. Krishikaran Raveendran from the ICT department for his invaluable assistance.



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