Registration Link of Workshop for Technical Officers: “Mastering Technical Leadership and Career Growth: Skills Beyond the Toolbox”

Registration Link: Google Form Link

We are pleased to inform you that the Department of Physics, in collaboration with the Staff Development Center, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, is organizing a two-day workshop titled “Mastering Technical Leadership and Career Growth: Skills Beyond the Toolbox.” This workshop aims to equip technical officers with essential soft and technical skills to excel in their careers and achieve long-term success.

The workshop will take place on the 11th and 12th of November 2024, with four sessions running daily from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM at the Department of Physics, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. There is no participation fee for this workshop.

Resource Persons:

Academic staff members, technical officers, and demonstrators from the Department of Physics, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.

Target Group:

Technical Officers from the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Technology, and Faculty of Engineering, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.

Topics Covered:

  • Lab Safety and Equipment Inventory Maintenance
  • Fundamental Measuring Instruments in Physics and Engineering: Principles, Uses, and Accuracy
  • Fundamentals of Electronics
  • House Wiring and Solar Panel Installation
  • Workshop Training

For further information or clarification, please contact the Head of the Department, Department of Physics, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Prof. N. G. Shantha Gamage or the workshop coordinator, Dr. Sivayini Kandeepan (Email: ssivayini@sjp.ac.lk | Mobile: 0777194259).

A Star from Intel

On the 23rd of August 2024, the Department of Physics hosted a special session featuring Dr. Pubudu Goonetilleke, who shared his career experiences at Intel and provided valuable insights for students pursuing careers in science and technology. The event, initiated by Prof. M. L. C. Attygalle, saw the participation of Prof. W. K. I. L. Wanniarachchi, and Mr. R. A. D. D. Dharmasiri. The temporary demonstrators of the department, along with the 3rd and 4th year Physics Special students, as well as Physics extended degree program and Electronic and Embedded Systems (EES) students were also in participation.

Dr. Goonetilleke recounted his journey from academic research in materials science to becoming a process engineer at Intel. He highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary skills, such as programming, and how they helped him innovate within Intel’s high-tech manufacturing environment. His focus on advanced materials research, battery technologies, and semiconductor processes underscored the broad career possibilities in both industry and research for those with a physics or materials science background.

The session provided attendees with valuable lessons on career development demonstrating how interdisciplinary skills, adaptability, and a deep understanding of fundamental technologies can lead to success in both research and industry.

J’pura Astrals Team Achieves Global Recognition in Space Science Competition

J’pura Astrals, has achieved international acclaim by reaching the finals in the prestigious “A Shared Space For A Better Future” competition. Competing under the Creative Design of Space Experiment category, the team’s innovative project on the effects of space radiation on plant growth in microgravity earned them a place among the top 15 teams worldwide.

The competition, sponsored by leading institutions such as the Chinese Society of Astronautics and Beijing Institute of Technology, promotes cutting-edge research in space exploration.

The J’pura Astrals were awarded the Silver Award, Best Poster Award, and Best Instructor Award at the final round held in Hong Kong from August 11-13, underscoring their outstanding contributions to the field.

The team includes:
Ms. Dinithi Dissanayaka
Mr. Pavith Amarasinghe
Mr. Chamika Wijesinghe
Ms. O. T. Weerasinghe
Mr. D. A. Mallawarchchi
Ms. T.A.G.K. Thenuwara

We commend and congratulate Prof. M. L. C. Attygalle and the three outstanding undergraduates, D.A.D.D. Dissanayake, C.S. Wijesinghe and T.A.G.K. Thenuwara, from the Department of Physics, along with their dedicated teammates, for securing 2nd place in the 2024 International Scientific and Space Science Payload (ISSSP) Competition held at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

University of Sri Jayewardenepura Shines at Arduino Challenge: A Triumph of Innovation and Creativity

The University of Sri Jayewardenepura proudly showcased its talent and innovation at the prestigious Arduino Challenge, part of the “Challenge Sphere” competition series organized by the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society of SLTC. This highly competitive event, which drew nearly 40 teams from various institutions, aimed to discover Arduino-based solutions to combat climate change using a limited set of components. Each team strived to present the most innovative and effective ideas, demonstrating their creativity and technical prowess in addressing one of the most pressing global issues.

Representing the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, four teams from the Electronic and Embedded System combination participated in this challenge. These teams, driven by creativity and a commitment to addressing real-world problems, proposed and constructed groundbreaking projects that stood out among their peers.

Out of nearly 40 groups that participated in the Arduino Challenge, all four teams from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura were selected as top 10 finalists, a remarkable achievement that highlights their innovation and technical expertise. Among these talented teams, Team Forsaken stood out with their exceptional project, ultimately earning them the prestigious position of 2nd Runners-up in the competition. This accomplishment reflects not only the team’s dedication and creativity but also the high standards of excellence upheld by the university’s Electronic and Embedded System program.

Self-Sustaining Greenhouse

Team Forsaken – Kasun Ukwattage, Dinusha Godage, Yasara Nawarathna

Urban areas, which house more than half of the world’s population, contribute significantly to the global carbon footprint. The high concentration of buildings, vehicles, and industrial activities in cities leads to substantial energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The proposed solution was to build automated greenhouses. Which will create an environment where plants can grow without human supervision. Technologies such as control systems, signal processing, data acquisition were used in order to provide the optimal conditions for the prototype. This innovation paves the way to a more sustainable future by shoring up urban agriculture, enlarging conservatories and even protecting endangered plants.

Temperature Controlled Mushroom Planting Room using Automated Solar Tracking System

Team Solar Surge – Devindi Manage, Heshan Tharuka, Shashith Saputhanthri



In response to the pressing issue of climate change and its impact on agriculture, Team Solar Surge developed a sustainable solution that harnesses renewable energy to optimize agricultural productivity. Their project integrates a solar tracking system that maximizes sunlight capture to power an energy-efficient mushroom planting house. By regulating the temperature and humidity within the planting room, this system ensures optimal growing conditions while minimizing reliance on fossil fuels. This innovative approach not only addresses the challenges of climate change but also promotes sustainable agriculture.

Hexagon Plantation Unit

Team Hyper – Nehan De Silva, Janith Shehara, Gysni Sawbagya



Team Hyper’s project focuses on the critical role of bees in agriculture and environmental preservation. They designed an automatic bee control unit that not only protects bees but also enhances plant pollination. The system creates a controlled environment that automatically adjusts temperature, humidity, light quality, and soil moisture to support both bees and plants. Additionally, it uses sound waves of specific frequencies to attract bees, facilitating their role in pollination and honey production. This project demonstrates a harmonious blend of technology and nature, aiming to protect bees and support sustainable agriculture.

Balancing Indoor and Outdoor Lighting for Energy Efficiency

Team Bright Sense – Dinura Kumarasinghe, Janidu Navod

Team Bright Sense tackled the issue of energy efficiency in households by developing an intelligent lighting control system. Their project dynamically balances indoor lighting with natural outdoor light, reducing electricity consumption and promoting energy conservation. The system uses sensors to monitor light intensity, temperature, and human presence, allowing it to make real-time adjustments to indoor lighting. By optimizing the use of natural light and incorporating energy-efficient LED bulbs, this project contributes to climate change mitigation and sustainable living.

The University of Sri Jayewardenepura congratulates all four teams for their remarkable achievements. Their success at the Arduino Challenge not only highlights the potential of our students but also reinforces the importance of fostering creativity and innovation in addressing global challenges. We look forward to seeing the continued impact of these talented individuals in the field of electronics and embedded systems.