to the PDF file.

The annual graduation fashion show presented by the final year
undergraduates of the Fashion Design and Product Development Degree
course conducted by the Department ofTextile and Clothing Technology
UNIVERSilY OF MORATUWA-SRI LANKA
was help on March 30 at the Galadari Hotel. This year the best 19
March- April2015 Volume 04- Issue 01 -ISSN 2279-2023
collections were modelled on the catwalk.
This show is the culmination of four years' work of the students graduating
this year, and is the launch of brand new collections developed from
concept to final product by these students. The course encourages
students to take up one of the two pathways, fashion or textiles. The
collections comprised women's wear and men's wear aimed at a particular ma rket level and a s pecific season. The work was ha nd crafted o r
technologically driven to realise the designs developed from a strategic proposa I.
The principal sponsor fort he second consecutive year was Textured Jersey Lanka Pic, a leader in the manufactu ring of circu lar knit fa b rics in Sri
Lanka.
The awards winners of this year were:
·Outstanding Designer Brand Award- Dakshika Abeysekara
·Innovative Textile Fabric Designer -Dakshika Abeysekara
·Menswear Desig ner Award - Kalathri Guruge
·Innovative Designer Award - Dula ngika Senevirathne
·Commercially Creative Designer - Anusha Silva
·Creative Knitwear Designer Award- Jayanika Chamani
• Serendib Inspirationa l Award- Gayath ri Muhand ira m
NEWS
The panel of judges comprised eminent personalities in the fashion world and this year featured Piyu mi Perera, Rebe cca Ward, Peter Katz and
Gail Temple.
The graduate exhibition to showcase design development wo rk and experimental portfolios of graduati ng stude nts was held at the JDA Perera
Gallery,Colombo from March 27-29.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ananda Jayawardane, was the Chief Guest, and CEO ofTextured Jersey Lanka PLC Mr Sriyan de Silva Wijeyeratne was
the Guest of Honour at the opening ceremony which was help on March 27.
INSIDE
PAGE 02
PAGE 02
Activities of Levell Integrated Design Students
Staff Retreat of the Department ofTCP&
Organizing of Sri Lanka Urban Forum 201 S
PAGE 03
BESS Charity Circle 201 S
PAGE 03
BEMRU Research Colloquium
PAGE 03
QSUM guest lecture series
PAGE 03
Unveiling of Portrait
PAGE 04
Memoranda of Understanding
PAGE 04
8th MUTAAGM
PAGE 04
Patent
PAGE 05
TLM Rhythm Divine 2015
PAGE OS
MERCON 201S
PAGE OS
"GOLDEN HITS"
PAGE OS
A&E transforms Textile Auditorium with modern features
PAGE 06
IITRU Monthly Guest talk by Dr Puj itha Silva
PAGE 06
Prof JR Lucas conducts a CPO course at IESL
PAGE 06
Public lecture on 'Churches of Sri Lanka'
PAGE 07
In-House Workshop on Intellect ual Property
PAGE 07
Consultancy Agreement signed with Ministry of Health
PAGE 08
Appointments and Promotions
PAGE 09
Visits & Travel
PAGE 10
Student Achievements
PAGE 10
Upcoming Events
PAGE 11
Staff Achiev ements
PAGE 12
Global Holcim Silver Award t o Dr Milinda Pathiraja
Youth BUILD
Department
this event.
FACULTY OF
ARCHITECTURE
Level 4 students of the Department of Architecture participated in Youth BUILD, a post war
housing awareness movement conducted by Habitat for Humanity Sri Lanka on March 21. The
students, together with 600 other Sri Lankan and overseas youth representing many
organizations, took part in the one-day volunteer programme where they assisted in building
70 homes for internally displaced people in Kunathivu,
Sampur, Trincomalee.
In this endeavour, the students not only helped construct houses, but also served to bridge
communities, build relationships and help spread the spirit of volunteerism. The event was
recognized by UN Global Compact (UNGC) as a monumental opportunity for corporate
organizations to foster social responsibility and sustainability practices. Senior Lecturers of the
Dr Milinda Pathiraja, Archt Varuna de Silva, Archt Kolitha Perera and Archt Niroshan Gunawardena participated in
Activities of Level 1 Integrated Design Students
As the opening design experience for the 2014/2015 academic year, the Level 1 students of the
Department of Integrated Design are being assigned a history-based project named
Celebration of Water: Reinterpretation of “Ranmasu Uyana”. A series of outdoor workshops and
practical camps were organized as a significant part of this project at Anuradapura for the
purpose of getting practical experience with the given context. Furthermore, activities were
organised to experience physical contextual forces to provide inspirations to develop design
concepts with logical conception and to build imaginative skills through available references of
the context. A three-day practical workshop in this series was conducted beginning March 03
by Head of the Department Archt Sithumini Rathnamalala, Senior Lecturer Archt Prasanna
Pitigala Liyanage, Lecturer Eng /Lndscp Archt Susira Udalamatta and Mr Chammika
Jayawardhane. The project was coordinated by the Lecturers Ms Sandamali Maddumabandara
and Ms. Ruchira Dassanayake under the guidance of Senior Lecturer Archt Prasanna Pitigala
Liyanage.
On April 30 the students visited a Gammadu Shanthikarmaya at Pilana Village. They were
involved in the preparation activities of Gammaduwa along with the Pilana villagers and gained
invaluable experience of a living history with the purpose of preserving one of the traditional
and cultural heritage events. The Gammadu Shanthikarma has been an age- old traditional
ritual to bless and wish prosperity for the agrarian community of Sri Lanka. The organizing and
the execution of this event can be recognized as an ideal instance to measure and record
specific parameters of a community with the aim of developing a publication. Moreover this
project provided a great arena to preserve and uplift the cultural events which fade out
gradually and recognize and understand the translation of deeply embedded belief systems in
designer aspect.
The Level 1 students were also given an extraordinary task of reinterpreting of Ranmasu Uyana
with respect to a particular time period in history and how water was celebrated during that
time. After a three-day field visit at the site, the students got to work, collecting relevant evidence and building justifications according
to their imagination. Finally, after several weeks of tutoring and advice, the students were able to successfully realize their
reinterpretations through design models. The design processes and final models were exhibited and presented on April 28 at the
Department auditorium. Through this project, not only were the talents of the students were brought out, but also so many innovative
design potentials identified. The project concluded successfully with a satisfactory hope for the future of the field of design.
‘Adjoining Traditional Crafting- 2015’
The students of Level 2 of the Department of Integrated Design (DID), Faculty of Architecture,
organized an exhibition on March 31 to reveal their initial experimental work related to the
major design project of the year ‘Adjoining Traditional Crafting 2015’. The project can be
identified as the fourth exertion after the successful completion of previous attempts of the
‘Refine Cane-2012’, ‘UNA-2013’and ‘TALA-2014’.The project ‘Adjoining Traditional Crafting 2015’,
can be introduced as a collaborative project of DID and the Coconut Development Authority, Sri Lanka and aims to uplift coconut shell
material based craftsmen with design interventions and marketing strategic developments done by the students of Level 2. The project
was coordinated by the year tutor, Mr Kamal Wasala and Instructor Mr Udaya Wickramasinghe, with the support of all the academic staff
members of the Department. The project was directed under the guidance of Head of Department Archt Sithumini Rathnamalala.
Staff Retreat of the Department of Town & Country Planning & Organizing of Sri Lanka
Urban Forum 2015
The staff retreat of the Department of Town & Country Planning was held on March 3 and 4 at the Talduwa Manor, Avissawella.
Academic and non-academic staff members of the Department participated in this two-day retreat. In addition to the discussions on
the future semester modules and projects, the academic staff members also reported their career goals and research interests during
this retreat. The most important aspect in the agenda of the retreat was the organizing of the Sri
Lanka Urban Forum 2015. Sri Lanka Urban Forum 2015 is part of the Contemporary South Asian
Cities Conference Series supported by the South Asia Institute of Harvard University. This year’s
South Asia Urban Forum is scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka, and it will be organized by the
Department of Town and Country Planning, University of Moratuwa. The conference is
scheduled to be held on August 19-21 in Colombo. The staff members had a detailed discussion
on many aspects of the Sri Lanka Urban Forum 2015 during the retreat.
02
Sarasavi Gee Sisila
The 20th chapter of the annual musical event ‘Sarasavi Gee Sisila’, the annual musical
extravaganza organised by Moratuwa University’s Building Economics Students’ Society (BESS)
was held on March 25 from 6.00 pm onwards at the University premises.
The event which is one of the most anticipated events in the University calendar, is aimed at
strengthening the financial capabilities of the BESS in order to provide financial assistance to
students in need by awarding scholarships, facilitating the printing of books that are essential
for academic purposes and encouraging extra-curricular activities within the student
community.
Veteran musicians in local classical music arena, namely Professor Sanath Nandasiri, Master
Victor Rathnayake, Visharadh Sunil Edirisinghe, Visharadh TM Jayarathne, Visharadh Edward
Jayakody, Karunarathna Divulgane and Visharadh Deepika Priyadarshani were featured in this
event.
National Disaster Drill
Level 4 Facilities Management Undergraduates of the Department of Building Economics participated in the National Disaster Drill held
on March 10 from 3.00 pm to 4 .00 pm in Lunawa. A tsunami, landslide and flood rehearsal was held in selected villages covering eight
districts. The rehearsal programme was expected to provide guidance to people on seeking places of safety and checking tsunami early
warning systems and also to familiarise residents to react properly in the face of disasters during the drills. The mock programme was
conducted by the Meteorological Department and Disaster Management Center District units.
BESS Charity Circle 2015
With the motive of fulfilling their social responsibility, the Building Economics Students’ Society
(BESS) in collaboration with the Association of Quantity Surveyors of the University of Moratuwa
(QSUM) is giving out donations to rural schools of the country. The latest donation of necessities
took place on March 30 at Mirispotha Vidyalaya in Udawalawa. Stationery, children’s reading
books, shoes and slippers, toys and clothes were donated to the school.
BEMRU Research Colloquium
The 43rd research colloquium organized by the Building Economics and Management Research
Unit (BEMRU) was held at the Faculty Boardroom on March 21. The colloquium was delivered by
Prof Anita Liu. She is a renowned academic attached to the Department of Real Estate and
Construction of the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Hong Kong. The colloquium
discussed “Research Methodology" in a comprehensive manner. Both students and staff of the
Department of Building Economics participated in the session and richly benefitted from this
outstanding lecture.
QSUM guest lecture series
A series of guest lecturers was arranged for the month of April in collaboration with the Department of Building Economics and the
Association of Quantity Surveyors of the University of Moratuwa (QSUM). The first of the lecture series was delivered by Mr Yasas
Chandradasa, Cost Manager at Hill International Middle East Limited, on Project Financial Control (Post Contract) on April 8 at the
Department premises.
Mr Sudath Abayadeera and Mr Gayal Kuruppu, graduate Quantity Surveyors employed in the Gulf region, conducted the second
lecture of the series on ‘Contract Administration and General Discussion on FDIC 87 Application’ at the Department premises on April
9.
Level 4 undergraduates participated for the both the lectures and greatly benefitted from the industry insight delivered with the
subject matters during the lectures.
New Year Celebration
The Department of Building Economics celebrated the traditional Sinhala and Tamil New year on
April 21 at the Department. Prof Lalith De Silva, Dean, Faculty of Architecture, Prof PKS
Mahanama, former Dean, Faculty of Architecture, heads of the departments, and all academic
and non-academic staff members of the Faculty of Architecture participated in the event.
The celebration started with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp and a feast served with the
unique Sri Lankan sweets and seasonal dishes. Prof Lalith De Silva delivered a speech, thanking
the academic and support staff for the continuous support extended to him and wishing the
staff of the Faculty of Architecture a successful new year ahead.
Unveiling of Portrait
To honour the former Dean of the Faculty of Architechture, Prof PKS Mahanama, a portrait was unveiled by the Vice- Chancellor at a
ceremony at the Faculty Board Room on April 02 at 10 am.
03
FACULTY OF
ENGINEERING
Memorandum of Understanding
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the University of Moratuwa and the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) on March 19
at the Research and Development Centre of CEB located at the BMICH. The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof Ananda Jayawardane
and the General Manager of the CEB, Eng Bandula Thilakasena signed the MoU representing the two parties. Academic staff members
of the Department of Electrical Engineering also participated in the event.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed with Keimyung University, Korea for academic collaboration on March 24.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed with Oulu University, Finland to establish a Centre for Wireless Communication in Sri
Lanka with the participation of several stakeholders including UoM.
Opening of the new Learning Resource Centre
The newly established students’ resource centre at the Department of Textile and Clothing
Technology funded by a QIG grant was declared open by Prof UGA Puswewala, Dean of the
Faculty of Engineering, on April 06. The centre is equipped with modern multimedia facilities,
internet, journals and magazines which are related to the textile and fashion industry, and
furnished with discussion spaces. In the long run it is expected to produce audio and video
teaching materials related to the modules taught at the Department allowing students to utilise
them in their spare time. One of the objectives of this is to encourage self-directed leaning as
the Department is focusing on implementing the Outcome Based Education system.
8th MUTA AGM
The eighth AGM of the Moratuwa University Textile Association (MUTA) was successfully held at Hotel Galadari, Colombo 01, on April
02. The event was well attended by a large number of graduates, undergraduates and academic staff of the Department and the
participation was over 250. The event marked its commencement with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp. Dr TSS Jayawardana, the
outgoing president welcomed the gathering. Mr. Dian Gomes, Managing Director of MAS intimates graced the occasion as the Chief
Guest and enlightened the gathering with his speech themed "Role of the Corner Man". The Vice-Chancellor and Deputy
Vice-Chancellor also graced the occasion as Guests of Honour. The work carried out by MUTA for the benefit of the undergraduates in
the Department and the close rapport established with the graduates was highly appreciated by the Vice-Chancellor in his address.
Mrs Vijitha Ratnayaka was elected as the new president of MUTA, while Dr Sandun Fernando was elected Treasurer.
Patent
The Patent Application “Method with a Modified Mould to Produce Open Cell Foam Rubber Mat from Milled Rubber” was filed on April
07. It was invented by Mr KRCJ Rathnayake, Dr (Mrs) SM Egodage, Dr BAJK Premachandra, Mr PKS Tharanga, Mr AJM Vithanachchi and
Mr S Kariyawasam. This is a joint Patent Application filed with the University of Moratuwa, Samsons International PLC and Samsons
Compounds (Pvt) Limited invented in the “UOM-SIL Rubber Product & Process Development Incubator” established under the
collaborative agreement signed in 2013 between the University, Samson International PLC, Samsons Compounds (Pvt) Ltd and
Uni-Consultancy Services. The present invention is related to a simple practical and inexpensive method for producing a mat like a
yoga mat from milled rubber and open cell foam.
04
TLM Rhythm Divine 2015
The annual student talent show “TLM Rhythm Divine 2015” organized by the Society of
Transport & Logistics (STL) were held on January 28 at the university premises in the presence of
Senior Prof Amal Kumarage, STL Student Advisor Eng Nishal Samarasekera and all other
academic staff of the Department of Transport & Logistics Management.
This is a completely packed out popular university event, where the platform is provided to
showcase TLM talents in a technical university. The show’s line-up included songs performed by
extremely talented students and also by the academic staff of the Department, dancing items
and also an award winning instrumental performance. The music for this entire event was also
performed by the gifted musicians in TLM.
For the first time, the event also included a special segment “TLM Awards 2015”, where TLM
students were appreciated for their national and international level extra-curricular
performances. From international and national representation in sports of the country,
including CILT Competition winners to international recognition in the film industry, 17 TLM
students were awarded for their extraordinary achievements in the university life.
MERCON 2015
Moratuwa Engineering Research Conference (MERCon) is the first international conference organised by the Engineering Research
Unit (ERU) of the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. MERCon is an international multidisciplinary engineering research conference,
which solicits research papers describing significant and innovative research contributions to all aspects of engineering. Submissions
were on a wide range of research topics, spanning both theoretical and systems research. MERCon 2015 received 152 submissions and
after the peer review process 63 papers were accepted for the presentation.
ERU Symposium, the predecessor of MERcon has 20 years of history as the Annual Symposium on Research for Industry. Till the 17th
symposium, presentations were based on a review of the abstracts only. The 18th and 19th symposia were advanced as the National
Engineering Research Symposium with full paper submissions. With lessons learnt, the 20th ERU symposium was transformed as the
MERCon 2015 to publish peer reviewed research papers.
MERCon 2015 was jointly organised by the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Engineering Research Unit of the University of Moratuwa
and IEEE student branch of University of Moratwa. It is technically co-sponsored by the IEEE, IEEE Sri Lanka Section and Sri Lanka
section chapter of IEEE Robotics and Automation Society. The conference includes 11 Sessions: Chemical and Process Engineering;
Power Systems, Electrical Machines and High Voltage Engineering; Energy and Mechanical Engineering Systems; Telecommunication
Systems; Civil and Environmental Engineering; Robotics and Control; Transport, logistics and technology management; Big Data and
Software Engineering -I and II; Textile and Apparel; Machine vision and Image Processing; and Materials Science and Engineering.
A&E transforms Textile Auditorium with modern features
American & Efird Lanka Ltd (A&E), specialist in industrial sewing threads and industrial yarns, has
been supporting the Department of Textile and Clothing Technology, University of Moratuwa in
various ways to improve its facilities during the past few years. They recently donated and
installed an audio system in March 2015 as an extension to the auditorium refurbishment
project. As a result the auditorium is multi-functional and can be used more effectively.
05
FACULTY OF
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Undergraduates of “the” Faculty of Information Technology won both Championship and Second Runners-up of Hachnaix-2015.
Hackanix, a two-day Hackathon organized by AIESEC of the University of Moratuwa in collaboration with Microsoft was held on March
27-28. Among fifteen teams from top universities and ICT institutes, four of them represented the Faculty of Information Technology.
The teams were ‘SAS Ninjas’, ‘Engima’, ‘DroidX’ and ‘TITANZ’.
Team ‘SAS Ninjas’ were crowned Champions of Hackanix 2015, comprising Thuan Preena, Yasas Sri Wickramasinghe, Viraj Hasitha and
Parami Sachinthika. The 2nd Runners Up were team ‘Enigma’ comprising of Dinuka Hettiarachchi, Senuri Wijenayake, Heshan Silva and
Malitha Rukshan.
ITRU Monthly Guest talk by Dr Pujitha Silva
Mr DJC Sooriyaarachchi, formerly a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Statistics and Computer Sciences of the Faculty of Science of
the University of Kelaniya delivered the ITRU guest talk for the month of January at the Faculty premises on 30 January. The talk was
about the "Probabilistic Approach to Hidden Markov Chain". The theoretical background to the topic was discussed in detail that would
help the academics to enhance their knowledge about Markov Chain. The talk was organized by the Information Technology Research
Unit (ITRU) of the Faculty of Information Technology. Presently Mr Sooriyaarachchi is working as a Visiting Lecturer in the Department
of Statistics and Computer Sciences of the University of Keleniya. His main fields of expertise are Stochastic Processes and Operational
Research.
EXTERNAL SERVICES &
COLLABORATIONS
Prof JR Lucas conducts a CPD course at IESL
Prof J R Lucas conducted a full day session on "Overcurrent Protection" at the IEE Wiring
Regulations 7-course held at the IESL on March 21 to over 100 young Electrical Engineers. This
CPD course is held annually and is suitable for the design project required for the Charter.
Prof. JR Lucas delivers a lecture at IET forum
Prof J R Lucas made a presentation on "Lightning Protection and Safety" at an Evening Forum of
the IET Sri Lanka Network on March 26.
Public lecture on ‘Churches of Sri Lanka’
Senior Lecturer Archt Sagara Jayasinghe of the Department of Integrated Design, Faculty of
Architecture delivered a public lecture on the topic ‘Churches of Sri Lanka’ as the 71st lecture of
the National Trust at the HNB Auditorium on March 26. The lecture was conducted covering the
creations and emerged typologies of churches built during the Portuguese occupation in Sri
Lanka in the 16th and 17th centuries and also aimed to highlight the architecture of the historic
church built in Portugal by a Sinhalese prince, Dom Joao of Kandy.
06
Reaching Technical Students …
Information literacy is the foundation for lifelong learning. It is common to all disciplines, to all learning environments, and to all levels
of education. Students passing out from technical institutes are seen as tomorrow’s workers and have to be information literate and
such people become valuable assets to any employer.
The Ceylon-German Technical Training Institute (CGTTI) is the foremost institute in Sri Lanka for the training of skilled technicians in the
field of automobile engineering and allied trades. CGTTI conducts fulltime courses as well as part-time courses.
Identifying the opportunities available in enhancing information literacy skills in technical students, the Library, University of Moratuwa
wished to extend its outreach activities to the youth attached to Ceylon – German Technical Training Institute, Moratuwa on their
request.
As a preliminary activity, an awareness programme on “Importance of reading and role of
libraries” was held on March 11 at the CGTTI auditorium. Mr Shantha Karunarathna,
Director/Principal, CGTTI, and Mrs Ruvini Kodikara, Librarian, UoM shared their views on the
importance of developing information literacy skills. Mrs Thushari Seneviratne, Senior Assistant
Librarian in-charge of Outreach Services and Mrs Upeksha Kodithuwakku, in-charge of Technical
Services, conducted the programme. Representatives of the teaching staff and about 400
trainees in the second year actively participated in the programme. Mr SPK Amarasinghe, Chief
Training Engineer, CGTTI and Ms Nirmala Cooray, Librarian, CGTTI coordinated the programme.
In-House Workshop on Intellectual Property
On the advice of the Intellectual Property Advisory Committee at its 56th meeting and on the recommendations of the Vice-Chancellor
an “In-House Workshop on Intellectual Property” was held in the University on March 17 at the conference room of the Department of
Electrical Engineering. Dr Harsha Cabral, PC, Ms Geethanjalee Ranawaka Director-General, National Intellectual Property Office, Sri
Lanka, Dr. D M Karunaratne, Former Director-General, National Intellectual Property Office, Sri Lanka and Ms Zuri Zen, Senior State
Counsel, Attorney-General’s Department were the resource persons for this workshop.
Establishing a Technology & Innovation Support Centre (TISC)
at the University of Moratuwa
The Ceremony of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to Establish a Technology &
Innovation Support Centre (TISC) in the University of Moratuwa in collaboration with the
National Intellectual Property Office and Word Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) was
held at the Vice-Chancellor’s Board Room. The MoU was ceremonially signed by Prof Ananda
Jayawardane, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Moratuwa and Mrs Geethanjalee Ranawaka,
Director-General of National Intellectual Property Office, Sri Lanka.
The MOU will provide necessary cooperation between NIPO and UOM to establish a TISC Centre
at University of Moratuwa. The aim of the TISC is to stimulate innovation of the country by
providing access to the patent and non patent databases and technological information.
Consultancy Agreement signed with Ministry of Health
A Consultancy Agreement was signed on March 02 between the Ministry of Health and University of Moratuwa to take up consultancy
service by the Head, Department of Computer Science & Engineering, University of Moratuwa to undertake to provide consultancy
service for the Family Health Bureau, Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka to develop a mobile app for accessing maternal and newborn
guidelines.
The consultancy agreement was signed by Dr DMRB Dissanayake, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Prof Ananda Jayawardane,
Vice-Chancellor, University of Moratuwa. The Agreement was initiated by Dr Chathura de Silva, Head and
Dr. HMN Dilum Bandara,
Senior Lecturer of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering.
Agreement signed with E-W Information Systems Limited
An agreement was signed between E-W Information Systems Limited and University of Moratuwa on March 02 for the purpose of
establishing a Computer Product & Process Development Research Centre covering all aspects of Computer Systems, Peripherals and
Accessories but not limited to Software, Networking, hardware and firmware at University to carry our joint research and development.
The Agreement was initiated by the Dr. HMN Dilum Bandara, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Computer Science
and
Engineering.
07
APPOINTMENTS AND
PROMOTIONS
Appointment as Honorary Professor of the
University of Wollongong
Senior Professor Amal S. Kumarage has been appointed as an Honorary Professor at the SMART
Infrastructure unit in the Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences at the University of
Wollongong in Australia on a part-time basis for the period of three years with effect from
January 27 2015. During this time period he will actively contribute to the collaborative research
and the development of high quality training programmes.
Honorary appointment for Dr Milinda Pathiraja from the
University of Melbourne
Dr Milinda Pathiraja, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Architecture, was offered a prestigious appointment as Honorary Senior
Fellow by the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, University of Melbourne.
Dr Pathiraja obtained his BSc (BE) from the University of Moratuwa, and his BArch degree and PhD from the University of Melbourne.
He won the prestigious RIBA President’s Award for Outstanding PhD Thesis in 2011 and also won the Chancellor's Prize for Excellence
for the same from the University of Melbourne in 2012
New HoD-Department of Textile and Clothing Technology
Dr USW Gunasekera has been appointed as the new Head of the Department of Textile and
Clothing Technology with effect from April 06. He is a graduate of the first batch of BSc
Engineering in Textile & Clothing Technology, and has been a member of the staff since his
graduation. He obtained his PhD from UMIST, UK, and has served the Faculty as Director,
Undergraduate Studies and Chairman, Orientation Committee.
New HoD-Department of Electronic & Telecommunication Engineering
Prof Rohan Munasinghe has been appointed as the new Head of the Department of Electronic
& Telecommunication Engineering. He is a graduate of the Department of Electrical Engineering
and holds a PhD from Japan. He has been serving the Faculty as Director, ERU. He is a man of
wide interests, including astronomy, photography
and philosophy.
New Bursar
Mr KAD Pushpakeerthi, Deputy Bursar
has been appointed to the post of
Bursar of the University of Moratuwa
from March 16.
Promotions
• Dr SP Chaminda as Senior Lecturer in Earth Resources Engineering
• Mr MDTE Abeynayake as Senior Lecturer in Building Economics
• Mr RKPS Ranaweera as Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering
New Staff
• Dr. GLDI De Silva has been appointed as a Senior Lecturer Grade II of the Department of Civil Engineering with
effect from 01.04.2015.
• Mrs JD Wagaarachchige has been appointed to the post of Lecturer (Probationary) in the Department of Chemical
& Process Engineering with effect from 01.04.2015.
• Mr UPL Wijayarathne has been appointed to the post of Lecturer (Probationary) in the Department of Chemical &
Process Engineering with effect from 01.04.2015.
• Mr PW Vidanage has been appointed to the post of Lecturer (Probationary) in the Department of Chemical &
Process Engineering with effect from 01.04.2015.
• Mrs GN Maheshika has been appointed to the post of Lecturer (Probationary) in the Department of Chemical &
Process Engineering with effect from 01.04.2015.
• Ms KWPM Kothalawala has been appointed to the post of Lecturer (Probationary) in the Department of Chemical &
Process Engineering with effect from 01.04.2015.
08
VISITS &
TRAVEL
Members from Lighting Research Centre of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute visit the
Department
Prof Nadarajah Narendran, Director of Research, Prof Russ Leslie, Associate Director, Graduate Programs in Lighting and Dennis Hull,
Senior Research Specialist of the Lighting Research Centre of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, USA visited the Department of Electrical
Engineering and had a fruitful discussion with the staff members. The intention of the visit was to initiate a collaborative postgraduate
course in Lighting Design aimed for the local industry.
Re-Accreditation Visits
A team from the Pacific Association of Quantity Surveyors (PAQS) visited the Department of
Building Economics on March 27-28 for the reaccreditation of the Quantity Surveying Degree
Programme. The panel included Prof Anita Liu (Panel Chairman) – The Hong Kong Institute of
Surveyors (HKIS), Prof Antony Mills – Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS), Prof Nor
Ainah Abdullah - Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia (RISM) and ChQS Elmo Fernando –
Institute of Quantity Surveyors Sri Lanka (IQSSL).
PAQS is an international association of national organizations representing Quantity Surveyors
in the Asia and Western Pacific region aims to promote the practice of Quantity Surveying (QS)
in the region. They also thrive to promote dialogue between member organizations, encourage
regional co-operation in the practice of QS, foster research appropriate to the better
understanding of building practice in the region, and render assistance to members of member
organizations working in each
other’s countries.
After critical evaluation, the panel recommended to reaccredit the BSc (Hons) Quantity
Surveying degree programme for a period of 5 years.
A panel representing the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) visited the
Department of Building Economics on March 31 to April 1 for the reaccreditation of the
Quantity Surveying and Facilities Management degree programmes. The panel included
Mr Nick Inatey, Dr Sara Wilkinson, Mr Shantha Fernando and Mr Russell Cooray.
RICS is a professional body which regulates and promotes the profession, maintains the
highest educational and professional standards, protects clients and consumers via a
strict code of ethics, and provides impartial advice and guidance.
The panel recommended reaccrediting the BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying and the BSc
(Hons) Facilities Management degree programmes after the critical evaluation.
Eng Ravindra Premathilaka visits Electrical Engineering
Eng Ravindra Premathilaka, a graduate of the Department of Electrical Engineering and
currently a Specialist Engineer (Protection & Control) at BC Hydro, Canada, paid a courtesy visit
to the Department on April 27. During the visit he delivered a guest lecture on "Generator
Stability" at the Electrical Engineering Seminar Room. The guest lecture was attended by
students and academic staff.
Dr Priyantha Wijayatunga visits UoM
Dr Priyantha Wijayatunga, formerly a Professor of the Department of Electrical Engineering and
first Dean of the Faculty of Information Technology, and currently a Senior Energy Specialist at
the Asian Development Bank, Manila, Philippines, visited UoM recently. During the visit, he
delivered a guest lecture on "Financing of Power & Energy projects" at the Electrical Engineering
Seminar Room. The guest lecture was attended by students and academic staff. He also
delivered a session in a series of lectures on Professional Ethics to students of the Faculty of
Engineering.
Presentation by Prof Teppei Nunoura
Prof Teppei Nunoura of the University of Tokyo delivered a presentation on "Researchers and
their research capability" at the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering seminar room
on April 28. Prof Nunoura is the Head of Nunoura Laboratory of the Environment Systems
Department and Head of the Environmental Science Centre (Kashiwa branch) of the University
of Tokyo, Japan. Prof Osamu Sawai, an Assistant Professor and Ms Disni Gamlath, a PhD student
of the same University also visited the Department with Prof Nunoura.
Visits by Foreign Delegations
A delegation from Capital Normal University, Beijing Municipal Education Commission, Xicheng
Commission of Education and International Education Exchange Centre visited the University of
Moratuwa, on March 09 and discussed areas of importance to both parties. A delegation from
Saga University, Japan visited the University of Moratuwa on March 11 and discussed about
mutually important areas regarding research, student-staff exchange etc.
09
STUDENT
ACHIEVEMENTS
Best Paper Award won by Chemical and Process Engineering Department
Undergraduate Students
The Chemical and Process Engineering Department undergraduate student research project
paper on ‘Linear Wind Flow Model’ won the best paper award under the category of Renewable
Energy at the International Research Symposium on Engineering Advancement held at the
SAITM Campus on April 25. The focus of this study was to develop a linear wind flow model
using WAsP software to identify wind power generation potential and local wind climatic
changes in north-west coastal region of Puttalam in Sri Lanka.
This study was done by undergraduate students Mr PMAMK Wickramasinghe and
Ms
WAMKP Wickramaarachchi under the guidance and supervision of Dr Mahinsasa Narayana and
Mr PW Vidanage.
Dr.M. Narayana
W.A.M.K.P.Wickramaarachchi
P.M.A.M.K.Wickramasinghe
P.W.Vidanage
Manori Dissanayake participated in the 19th Grand Asian Inter-Varsity
Chess Championship 2015
Manori Dissanayake, a second year undergraduate of the Department of Transport and
Logistics Management, participated in the 19th Grand Asian Chess Challenge International
Inter-Varsity Chess Championship 2015. This was held January 26-31 at the University of Malaya
in Malaysia. 20 teams from different Asian universities took part in the event. Manori
represented team B of the University of Moratuwa and secured 7th place in the women’s
category, out of 37 other girls from various universities.
FIT Student wins an IEEE Best Paper Award
YHPP Priyadarshana from the Faculty of Information Technology has been awarded one of the three best paper awards at the IEEE
International Conference on Electrical, Computer and Communication Technologies held in India (IEEE ICECCT 2015). Priyadarshana is
from Batch 10 of the BSc (Hons) in Information Technology and Management Programme, and the paper titled "Sentiment Analysis:
Measuring Sentiment Strength of Call Centre Conversations" presented the findings of his final year project carried out with KIH
Gunathunga, and KKA Nipuni Perera of the same programme. The project was supervised by Dr L Ranatunga, Mr PM Karunaratne and
TM Thanthriwatta.
Mr. Priyadarshana expresses his gratitude to Sri Lanka Telecom for the sponsorship granted to cover the expenses of conference
registration, accommodation, and air travel to and from India.
UPCOMING
EVENTS
International Conference on Operational Research for Development 2015 (ICORD 2015)
The Department of Mathematics is pleased to announce that the International Federation of Operational Research Societies (IFORS)
has agreed to hold ICORD 2015 on December 3-4 at the Palm Village Hotel, Uswetakeiyava, Wattala in collaboration with the
Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa. The details were finalized with the visit of Dr Elise del
Rosario, Past President of IFROS to Sri Lanka, where she met with Prof Rahula Attalage, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Prof Sarath Peiris,
Head of the Department of Mathematics, University of Moratuwa.
Prof Peiris will be the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, with Prof Arabinda Tripathy, the President of IFROS as the
Conference Chair. IFROS is an umbrella organization comprising the national Operations Research societies of 45 countries from four
geographical regions: Asia Pacific, Europe, North America and South America. As there is no OR society in Sri Lanka, Prof Peiris has been
planning to form such a society.
10
STAFF
ACHIEVEMENTS
Prof Ranjit Perera appointed member of the Sri Lanka Atomic
Energy Board
Prof HY Ranjit Perera, Senior Professor in Electrical Engineering has been appointed as a member of
the Board of Management of Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board, with effect from February 2015.
Prof MP Dias appointed a member of the SAGTAC
Prof MP Dias has been appointed by the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency
as a member of the Standing Advisory Group on Technical Assistance and Cooperation (SAGTAC) of
the IAEA, for a period of three years from 2015. The mandate of the SAGTAC is to advise the Director
General regarding the delivery, relevance and the impact of the Technical Cooperation Program of
the IAEA.
Prof Sisil Kumarawadu to serve in the IPC of IEEE SMC'15, Hong Kong
Prof Sisil Kumarawadu has been invited to serve in the international program committee (IPC) of the Systems Science & Engineering track of
the IEEE International Conference on Systems, Man and Cybernetics that will be held in Hong Kong, during 9-12 of October, 2015
(www.smc2015.org/).
IEEE SMC is widely recognized as the world's leading international conference on Systems Engineering. Prof Kumarawadu has been serving in
IEEE SMC in the capacity of IPC member since 2005.
Finalist at the World of Wearable Art Awards, New Zealand.
Mr Udaya Wickramasinge, a graduate and current member of staff of the Department of Integrated
Design, Faculty of Architecture, has been shortlisted as a finalist at the World of Wearable Art™
(WOW) Awards Show in three different categories. WOW® can be introduced as a competition which
brings artists and designers together from all over the globe to compete in one of the world’s richest
prize pools for wearable arts. This contest is an internationally recognized design competition based
in Wellington, New Zealand and Mr. Wickramasinghe was able to show his talents with his three
different knitwear designs named 3D knitted Skin, Delicate Body Armour and Hegemonic Man.
American Express Open Section, Man Section: Uniform and Wellington Airport Avant Garde Section
are the respective categories of the competition. Each year, WOW® creates a new theatrical world
into which each garment deserves to be showcased. Each successful entry is individually
choreographed in a two-hour stage spectacular, including world-class lighting and stage
technology.
Completion of PhD
Dr BLD Seneviratne, a Lecturer at the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, Faculty of Information
Technology has completed his PhD in Marketing from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand in
April, 2015. He was a recipient of a HETC scholarship and a winner of a Monbukagakusho—Japanese
Government Scholarship. In addition to being honoured as the Best Postgraduate Student at the
Department of Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship for the year 2013 at the University of
Canterbury, he is a winner of the Australian ANZMAC Travel Award in 2012. Dr Seneviratne obtained
his Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing (Special) from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura
with a first class honours and obtained his Master of Business Administration from the Postgraduate
Institute of Management, University of Sri Jayewardenepura with a merit award.
His research interests include; Cognitive mechanisms of consumers determining the effectiveness of
advertisements, Consumer psychology of buying and Consumer behaviour modelling using
Information Technology.
11
Best Paper & Keynote Address at International Conference
The Technical paper titled "Mathematical Modeling of Drying Kinetics of Black Pepper in a Spouted
Bed Dryer with and without Non Porous Draft Tubes" authored by Ms Gayani Jayatunga and Prof
Padma Amarasinghe of the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering was declared the best
paper of the session at the 2nd International Conference on "Trends in Multidisciplinary Business and
Economic Research" (TMBER- 2015) held in Bangkok Silom, Thai! and on March 25-26. This research
work and the visit to attend the conference we re funded by t he Higher Education for Twenty Fi rst
Century (HETC) project. Prof Padma Amarasinghe delivered t he keynote add ress on "Role of
Multidisciplinary Research for the betterment of the "society: Chemical" Engineer's Pe rspective
at this confe renee.
Global Holcim Silver Award to Dr Milinda Pathiraja
Dr Milinda Pathiraja, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Architecture, won the Silver award in the
4th Global Holcim Awards for Sustainable Construction for his community I ibrary building in
Ambepussa. This award recognizes architectural interventions that deliver tangible benefits to local
communities.
One of the iurors explained that the value of the project centres on transforming a discharged army
without mission into a motivated workforce in the service of society using a set of concrete measures
including the introduction of an educational program and the deployment of particular construction
techniques. "There is significant value in the basic message of the scheme -and the const ruct ion of
a library that builds both the physical and social fabric
of a community';