Prof. S. Vasanthapriyan

His insights during the panel discussion on “Bridging Academia and Industry with IEEE” provided a profound understanding of how IEEE empowers students to enhance their academic learning, professional readiness, and leadership potential. His guidance and encouragement were deeply appreciated by all participants.

Biography:

Professor Shanmuganathan Vasanthapriyan is a distinguished academic with a strong foundation spanning Sri Lanka, the Netherlands, and China. He holds a B.Sc. (Hons) in Computer Science from the University of Peradeniya, an M.Sc. in Computer Science and Engineering from Eindhoven University of Technology, and a Doctor of Engineering from Wuhan University of Technology.

He has served in academia for over 20 years, joining Sabaragamuwa University as a lecturer in 2005. He was appointed as the Founding Dean of the Faculty of Computing at the Sabaragamuwa University. His contributions to Sri Lanka’s ICT education have been recognized through national awards, including ICT Educator of the Year 2022 and ICT Leader of the Year 2023, presented by the Computer Society of Sri Lanka.

Currently, he serves as the Chair of the IEEE Sri Lanka Section and as a member of the IEEE Conference Committee’s Technical Program Integrity Committee.

Address:Sri Lanka

Mr. Kavinga Upul Ekanayaka

He offered a valuable perspective on how students can prepare for real-world challenges and thrive in their professional journeys. His practical advice and motivational guidance left a lasting impact on the audience.

Biography:

Mr. Kavinga Upul Ekanayaka is a Senior Member of IEEE and currently serves as the Treasurer of the IEEE Sri Lanka Section. He is the Head of Hardware Engineering at ACCELR and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering from the University of Moratuwa.

A well-recognized speaker, Mr. Ekanayaka has been actively engaged in promoting technological innovation and engineering excellence. His leadership within IEEE reflects a strong commitment to fostering collaboration between academia and industry.

He continues to advance the frontiers of digital system design and acceleration technologies, empowering the engineering community through both his professional work and IEEE leadership.

Address:Sri Lanka

Mr. Heshan Mallawaarachchi

He shared vital insights on transitioning from academia to industry, emphasizing the opportunities IEEE offers for skill development and networking. His session was engaging, informative, and highly relevant to the students’ aspirations.

Biography:

Mr. Heshan Mallawaarachchi is a Software Engineer at IFS R&D International and currently serves as the Chair of IEEE Young Professionals Sri Lanka. A passionate IEEE volunteer, he has been recognized with the Outstanding Volunteer Award (Student) 2023 for his exceptional service and dedication to the IEEE community in Sri Lanka. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science Honours from the University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka.

With a strong background in software engineering and technology leadership, Mr. Mallawaarachchi has actively contributed to building stronger connections between young professionals, academia, and industry. His involvement in IEEE Young Professionals initiatives reflects his commitment to creating growth opportunities for the next generation of engineers and innovators.

Through his professional role and volunteer service, he continues to inspire young minds to explore technology-driven solutions and pursue leadership pathways. His journey highlights the power of youth engagement and collaboration in driving IEEE’s mission forward across Sri Lanka.

Mr. Thilina Samarasinghe

His session focused on the importance of giving one’s best effort in every endeavor, maintaining consistency and passion in pursuing success, and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. He emphasized setting clear goals, staying disciplined, and continuously learning from both successes and setbacks. Through his personal experiences, he illustrated how dedication, perseverance, and a proactive mindset can lead to meaningful achievements in both professional and personal life, inspiring students to strive for excellence in all their pursuits.

Biography:

Mr. Thilina Samarasinghe is a lecturer in Information Technology who finds joy in learning, teaching, and helping others grow. Guided by a genuine passion for education, he believes that knowledge has the power to create meaningful change. Thilina strives to inspire curiosity, encourage growth, and make a positive impact through everything he does.