A formal function to welcome the newly selected Level 2 students to the Department was held in February 2010 at the Electrical Engineering Final Year Room. The new Level 2 students will be the first batch of students who will follow the courses under the new Electrical Engineering curriculum. The new curriculum will enhance students’ learning experience and allow them to study subjects of interest both inside and outside their academic department. The new curriculum will ensure that students are better equipped with the skills required to compete in the global economy, by providing them with a broader academic and social experience at the Department of Electrical Engineering.

Head of the department, Dr. J. P. Karunadasa delivered the welcome speech welcoming all newly selected students to our friendly department family. Prof. Ranjit Perera delivered an inspiring speech which encouraged new students to study Electrical Engineering and highlighted the opportunities that the Electrical Engineers have around world. An EESOC committee L4 student member also spoke to the new L2 students highlighting the activities, events in which students can engage in during their stay with the Department apart from academic activities. All the academic staff members were present at the occasion. The vote of thanks was given by a Level 2 student. This was followed by refreshments to staff and students.

Prof Ranjit Perera, has resumed duties in the Department as Professor in Electrical Engineering after serving Public Utilities Commission, Sri Lanka (PUCSL) as its Director General for a period of 21 months from April 2008. The new Electricity Act (Act No 20 of 2009), empowering the PUCSL to regulate the Electricity Industry, was enacted during his period and he made a pioneering contribution in strengthening the necessary framework in the Commission required for regulation of the industry.

In April 2008, the Council of the University of Moratuwa granted leave for Professor Ranjit Perera to accept the appointment as Director General of the Public Utilities Commission. He assumed duties at the PUCSL on 3rd April 2008. The PUCSL is entrusted with the task of technical, safety and economical regulation of the Electricity industry in Sri Lanka. In addition, PUCSL plays a major role to safeguard consumer interests.

Dr. JP Karunadasa, the Head/Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Dr. NK Wickramaarachchi, Senior lecturer in the Department received Long Service Awards at the ceremony held on 1st January 2010. Dr. Karunadasa and Dr. Wickramaarachchi were awarded medals to recognize their 25 years of continuous and meritorious service to the University. The EE Department extends its warm wishes for their achievements in the career and wishes them to continue their invaluable services to the Department in many more years to come.

The University commenced work for the new year 2010 on 1st January 2010, with a multi-religious ceremony at which addresses were made by religious dignitaries from the Buddhist, Hindu, Christian and Islam religions. This was followed by talks from the Vice Chancellor and the Registrar. The award of long service medals to those who had served the University for long periods (25 years, 30 years, 35 years and 40 years) then took place. Thereafter the Vice Chancellor hosted everyone to Kiribath, Kavum and other traditional food.