Cash Awards and Certificates for the Winners of the Photographic Competition organized
by the UoR Highlights

Mr. P.H.U. Jayamal (HS/2021/18577) of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences won First Place in recognition of his outstanding achievement in the photographic competition on "The Natural Beauty of the University of Ruhuna," organized by the Editorial Board of the UoR Highlights, University of Ruhuna. His exceptional photographic skills captured the essence of our university’s natural beauty, and he was awarded a cash prize of 10,000 Sri Lankan Rupees (SLR) and a certificate. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Snr, Prof. E.P.S. Chandana, presented the
certificate and the award during a special committee meeting of the UoR Highlights at the University Guest House on 12 th November 2024. The Editor-in-Chief, Dr. K.S.S. Atapaththu and the Editorial Board members, including Prof. A.C. Karunarathna, Dr. J.M.R.S. Appuhamy, Dr. Mahesh Kodikara, Dr. Theja Kuruppu Arrachchi, Ms. R.G.A. Iroshanie, Ms. W.M.C.S. Jayaweera, Mr. Thilina Gunawardana, Ms. H.M.T.M.H. Molagoda, Ms. Pubudu Wanniarachchi, and Ms. D.M.D. Priyadharsganie, attended the event. The cash awards were sponsored by the Students Welfare Fund, established by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Snr. Prof. E.P.S. Chandana.

University of Ruhuna Alumnus Ajmal Abdul Azees Shines as Finalist at 2024 Victorian International Education Awards

The University of Ruhuna is proud to announce that one of its distinguished alumni, Eng. Ajmal Abdul Azees, has been recognised as a finalist at the prestigious 2024 Victorian International Education Awards in Australia. Ajmal, a graduate of the Department of Electrical and Information Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering, has earned this honour for his exceptional contributions to the field of biomedical engineering.

Currently pursuing his PhD at RMIT University and the Bionics Institute in Australia, Ajmal’s groundbreaking research focuses on the development of the world’s first multi- channel hybrid cochlear implant, a pioneering medical innovation with the potential to revolutionise the treatment of hearing loss. This novel cochlear implant, which combines electrical and optical stimulation, aims to deliver more precise and effective outcomes for
individuals with hearing impairments—an advancement that could transform the lives of millions around the world.

This achievement not only highlights the global potential of Sri Lankan talent but also reflects the strong educational foundation Ajmal received at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Ruhuna. His success underscores the importance of nurturing young engineers and researchers who are capable of making significant contributions to global scientific advancements.

Ajmal’s achievements have been recognised on an international scale, with the Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Paul Stephens, publicly congratulating him for his work. The High Commissioner emphasised the importance of educational ties between Sri Lanka and Australia, noting that Ajmal’s research is a shining example of the positive impact of such collaborations.

Throughout his academic journey, Ajmal has received numerous international awards, including the prestigious Prof. Field Rickards Award for Best Overall Student of the Year. He has published several journal articles on his research and has presented at leading international conferences. Additionally, he was selected as a MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholar, one of only 10 PhD students across Australia working on cutting-edge medical innovations.

Ajmal’s journey from the University of Ruhuna to international recognition serves as an inspiration for current and future students. His pioneering research on cochlear implants is set to make a lasting impact on the future of hearing technology and medical science.

The University of Ruhuna, the Faculty of Engineering, and the Department of Electrical and Information Engineering take great pride in celebrating Ajmal’s success and look forward to his continued contributions to the global scientific community.

Team SSJC Secures All-Island First Place in University Category at SLESA 2024 for Innovative Engineering Project

Congratulations to Team SSJC for securing First Place in the University Category at the SLESA (Sri Lankan Engineers in South Australia) competition, with the award ceremony held in South Australia on August 24, 2024. From numerous university teams, Team SSJC from the Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Ruhuna, was able to win First Place for their Final year project, "The Mushroom Grow Media Filling Machine with Automatic Bag Feeding Unit." The team was supervised by Dr. P.G.C.R. Gallage (Head of the Department) and co- supervised by Dr. L.K.T. Srimal.

The team consists of the following students:

 Piyarathna M.W.S.B – EG/2019/3701 (Team Leader)
 Gunawardana K.K.D.S.P – EG/2019/3593
 Kalhara M.H.C – EG/2019/3620
 Deshapriya S.K.J – EG/2019/3563