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In a significant gesture of support towards the development of future scientists, engineers and innovators, Mr. Anuradha Fernando (DevOps Eng., Apple), an esteemed alumnus (99/2000) of the Department of Physics, Faculty of Applied Sciences, has made a generous donation to the Electronics and Embedded Systems program. The donation includes a wide array of valuable resources such as electronic items, books, development boards, and other essential equipment, providing a substantial boost to the program.

The donated items are expected to play a crucial role in enhancing the learning experience of undergraduates enrolled in the program. With access to these advanced resources, students will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning, explore cutting-edge technologies, and develop practical skills that are vital in the field of electronics and embedded systems.

The Department of Physics expressed its profound gratitude for Mr. Fernando’s generosity, noting that the donated items will significantly enhance the program’s resources. Faculty members highlighted that this support will enable them to offer a more comprehensive and enriched curriculum, allowing students to undertake more complex projects and research initiatives.

Students of the Electronics and Embedded Systems program have also expressed their excitement and appreciation for the new resources. Many believe that this donation will open up new avenues for learning and experimentation, giving them the confidence to tackle real-world challenges and innovate in their future careers.

The department expressed deep gratitude for Mr. Fernando’s support, noting that the donation will enrich the curriculum and empower students to tackle more complex projects. This act of generosity highlights the strong bond between alumni and their alma mater, and its lasting impact on the education of future scientists.

Dr. Malkanthi Ilangakoon, currently residing in the USA, visited the Department of Physics on July 8th. During her visit, she met with the current staff and toured the laboratories. She was accompanied by Prof. Tantrigoda, Emeritus Professor of the Department and Chancellor of the Open University of Sri Lanka, and Dr. Sriya Kularatne from the Zoology Department, a close friend of Dr. Ilangakoon.

Dr. Ilangakoon was the first female assistant lecturer hired by the Department of Physics at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. After her departure, Prof. Tantrigoda also served as an Assistant Lecturer. The visit provided an opportunity for recent graduates and staff to connect, as they listened to stories shared by Dr. Ilangakoon and Prof. Tantrigoda about the Department’s early days.

Prof. Tantrigoda recalled the challenging conditions back then—there were no proper electricity or waterworks, and the blackboard had to be propped up with chairs due to the absence of a stand. The Department lacked benches, so students had to use chairs with attached stands for writing. Despite these humble beginnings, the Department has made remarkable progress, especially considering that the laboratories once had only two working sodium lamps for optics practicals.

In a groundbreaking initiative at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Apeksha Hospital Maharagama, Jpura undergraduate Lakmila Swarnajith, from the Department of Physics at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, has spearheaded the development of an automated system for LINAC machine calibration support. This project, named the LINAC Machine Output Calibration Support App, promises to revolutionize the efficiency of cancer treatment processes, saving crucial time for patient care.

Swarnajith carried out this project for his internship as part of the honors degree in Physics program at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Under the guidance of esteemed professionals, Swarnajith received mentorship from Head of the department, Prof. Shantha Gamage, and other staff members from the Department of Physics at the University. From the hospital side, Chief Medical physicist Athula Kumara, Medical physicist Sampath Madushan, and Lakitha Ruwinda provided invaluable support and expertise during the development phase.

Recognizing the pressing need for enhanced efficiency in LINAC machine calibration, Swarnajith dedicated himself to creating a solution that would streamline the process and alleviate delays in patient treatments. Prior to the development of this app, physicists at the NCI relied on manual calculations using MS Excel sheets, followed by the preparation of handwritten reports. This outdated method not only consumed valuable time but also introduced the possibility of errors. With the introduction of the LINAC Machine Output Calibration Support App, the cumbersome manual process has been replaced by a seamless digital solution.

Powered by Visual Basic .Net and the MS .Net framework, this Windows-based application simplifies calculations, eliminates the need for manual parameter retrieval, and automates report generation in PDF format. One of the key features of the app is its ability to access machine parameters from a centralized database, significantly reducing the time required for calibration. Moreover, users have the flexibility to edit the machine database, ensuring adaptability for use in various hospital settings.

The impact of Swarnajith ‘s innovation has been immediate and profound. Physicists at the NCI have embraced the app with enthusiasm, citing its user-friendly interface and time-saving capabilities. The positive feedback underscores the importance of leveraging technology to enhance cancer care processes. It is worth noting that Swarnajith ‘s project was driven by a deep sense of commitment to cancer patients. By optimizing the calibration process, he has contributed to expediting treatment procedures and ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Swarnajith ‘s LINAC Machine Output Calibration Support App stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between academia and healthcare professionals. Developed on the Visual Basic .Net platform utilizing the MS.NET framework, this innovative solution not only reflects Sri Lanka’s prowess in technological innovation but also serves as a beacon of hope for cancer patients and caregivers worldwide. Jpura Undergraduate Develops Innovative LINAC Machine Calibration Support App for National Cancer Institute (NCI), Apeksha Hospital Maharagama