University of Peradeniya Hosts EngEx 2025 Powered by SLT-MOBITEL for Diamond Jubilee of Engineering Faculty
Prof. Lilantha Samaranayake, Dean, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya
Sri Lanka gears up for the largest engineering exhibition, EngEx 2025 powered by SLT-MOBITEL, themed ‘Engineering for Life’, celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya. Prof. Lilantha Samaranayake, Dean, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya together with Eng. Anuruddha Rathnayake, Deputy Chief Regional Operations Officer, SLT, a proud alumnus of the Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya, discuss the event’s significance for the country’s digital future in an exclusive conversation, exploring its role in inspiring the next generation of engineers, strengthening industry–academia collaboration, and positioning Sri Lanka at the forefront of technological progress.
What is your view on platforms such as EngEx 2025 powered by SLT-MOBITEL in nurturing young innovators?
Prof. Lilantha Samaranayake:EngEx 2025powered by SLT-MOBITEL marks the Faculty of Engineering’s 75th anniversary, following past milestone exhibitions in 1992, 2000, and 2010. I have participated in each, as a visitor, student, lecturer, and now as the dean. These platforms showcase our talent to the public. This year, with significant advancements in science and technology, it offers a variety of exhibits ranging from Artificial Intelligence, to Machine Learning, Robotics, Automation, Internet of Things, Smart Cities, Smart Energy Systems, Biomedical and advanced healthcare systems, Advanced Materials, Ancient versus Modern construction technologies, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning systems, Aeronautics, etc. Many innovations could become marketable products, making this the ideal platform to nurture future innovators.
Will it attract students from across the country?
Prof.: Absolutely. We’ve planned for 6,000 students on the first day which is specifically for schoolchildren. However online ticketing has exceeded 20,000, with interest from all across Sri Lanka.
Tickets are available via OneTicket and a limited number at the entrance. The exhibition will take place from 23rd to 27th September 2025 and will open on the 23rd from 12 noon onwards and 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on other days. For more details, visit https://eng.pdn.ac.lk/engex-2025get-ready-to-witness-innovation-in-motion/
Eng. Anuruddha Rathnayake, Deputy Chief Regional Operations Officer, SLT
Beyond classroom learning, what opportunities will the exhibition offer students?
Prof.: Project work is a mandatory part of the undergraduate programme. Students complete at least three projects by the end of their final year. Many projects, whether standalone products or integrated solutions, will be showcased, demonstrating how innovation addresses societal challenges.
How will SLT-MOBITEL’s role as title sponsor strengthen students’ engineering journey?
Prof.: Industry collaboration is a major strength of this year’s event. SLT-MOBITEL’s support goes beyond funding to technical engagement, with potential to take student projects forward. It is a win‑win as students gain industry exposure, and companies discover emerging talent.
Can you share examples of student innovations with societal impact?
Prof.: Recent examples include a hyperspectral imaging solution to detect counterfeit food products, a biomedical device using IR LEDs to locate veins for medical procedures, lightweight yet stronger construction materials, and advanced analysis tools for complex structures. But the readers are welcome to visit the exhibition to witness much more than this.
What is your long-term vision beyond the exhibition?
Prof.: We aim to convert promising exhibits into products, either individually or as combined solutions to industry challenges. Our incubation centre, departmental work cells, and commercialisation arm are in place to support this process, and we hope industry and investors will partner with students to bring these innovations to market. Additionally, there will be numerous opportunities to break new ground in the industry and research across all specialisations we cater to.
I am happy to announce that our teams have worked hard to provide visitor facilities including parking, water & sanitation, food & beverages, etc. SLT-MOBITEL’s Wi‑Fi will be available throughout the venue. There will be gaming zones where the gaming platforms have been developed inhouse. We want the visitors to have a comfortable experience, gaining insight into the work of our undergraduates and postgraduate students.
SLT-MOBITEL has come onboard as the title sponsor for EngEx 2025. What was the inspiration behind supporting the platform?
Eng. Anuruddha Rathnayake (AR): As Sri Lanka’s National ICT Solutions Provider, SLT-MOBITEL has long led digital transformation and future‑focused innovation. Partnering with the exhibition reflects our commitment to nurturing technology and innovation. It is a platform uniting talent, ideas, and industry expertise, inspiring young engineers, enabling knowledge sharing, and creating opportunities to strengthen the digital economy and drive sustainable growth.
AR: The exhibition acts as a platform that helpsbridge academia, industry, and innovation, allowing students to showcase creativity, tackle industry-driven challenges, and connect with mentors. Engaging with cutting‑edge technologies, best practices, and entrepreneurial thinking, they gain the skills, confidence, and the mindset to become tomorrow’s leaders, driving national development and global competitiveness.
AR: Open to all, the exhibition especially inspires school students, junior inventors, and young innovators. Visitors can explore engineering, experience advanced technologies including AI, and see how academic knowledge meets industry needs. It is an opportunity to spark ideas, gain insight, and connect with a community shaping Sri Lanka’s technological future.
AR: By equipping young people with digital literacy, exposure to emerging technologies, and access to platforms such as EngEx 2025, we empower them to become problem‑solvers and changemakers.
We will strengthen connectivity across the venue with 4G, expanded LEARN Network capacity, and FTTH services for all stalls. Dedicated SLT-MOBITEL 5G Experience Zones will also be set up across the exhibition, giving visitors the chance to explore next-generation connectivity and receive 5GB of free data upon connecting. Additionally, at the SLT-MOBITEL stall, visitors can discover the latest broadband, digital, and enterprise solutions.
AR: We have supported numerous platforms including the Techno Exhibition, INFOTEL ICT Exhibition, National IT Conference, SLIoT Challenge, RoboGames, and the upcoming landmark initiative of Sri Lanka’s first-ever National AI Expo & Conference. Our Smart Classroom projects and e‑learning platforms, especially during COVID, empowered thousands of students. We also partner with universities, including Peradeniya and Moratuwa, and technical institutes, to provide training, internships, and exposure to advanced ICT practices. Thus, EngEx 2025powered by SLT-MOBITEL is another milestone in strengthening this collaboration to prepare the next generation of innovators.
Sri Lanka gears up for the largest engineering exhibition, EngEx 2025 powered by SLT-MOBITEL, themed ‘Engineering for Life’, celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya. Prof. Lilantha Samaranayake, Dean, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya together with Eng. Anuruddha Rathnayake, Deputy Chief Regional Operations Officer, SLT, a proud alumnus of the Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya, discuss the event’s significance for the country’s digital future in an exclusive conversation, exploring its role in inspiring the next generation of engineers, strengthening industry–academia collaboration, and positioning Sri Lanka at the forefront of technological progress.
Prof. Lilantha Samaranayake:EngEx 2025powered by SLT-MOBITEL marks the Faculty of Engineering’s 75th anniversary, following past milestone exhibitions in 1992, 2000, and 2010. I have participated in each, as a visitor, student, lecturer, and now as the dean. These platforms showcase our talent to the public. This year, with significant advancements in science and technology, it offers a variety of exhibits ranging from Artificial Intelligence, to Machine Learning, Robotics, Automation, Internet of Things, Smart Cities, Smart Energy Systems, Biomedical and advanced healthcare systems, Advanced Materials, Ancient versus Modern construction technologies, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning systems, Aeronautics, etc. Many innovations could become marketable products, making this the ideal platform to nurture future innovators.
Prof.: Absolutely. We’ve planned for 6,000 students on the first day which is specifically for schoolchildren. However online ticketing has exceeded 20,000, with interest from all across Sri Lanka.
Tickets are available via OneTicket and a limited number at the entrance. The exhibition will take place from 23rd to 27th September 2025 and will open on the 23rd from 12 noon onwards and 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on other days. For more details, visit https://eng.pdn.ac.lk/engex-2025get-ready-to-witness-innovation-in-motion/
Prof.: Project work is a mandatory part of the undergraduate programme. Students complete at least three projects by the end of their final year. Many projects, whether standalone products or integrated solutions, will be showcased, demonstrating how innovation addresses societal challenges.
Prof.: Industry collaboration is a major strength of this year’s event. SLT-MOBITEL’s support goes beyond funding to technical engagement, with potential to take student projects forward. It is a win‑win as students gain industry exposure, and companies discover emerging talent.
Prof.: Recent examples include a hyperspectral imaging solution to detect counterfeit food products, a biomedical device using IR LEDs to locate veins for medical procedures, lightweight yet stronger construction materials, and advanced analysis tools for complex structures. But the readers are welcome to visit the exhibition to witness much more than this.
Prof.: We aim to convert promising exhibits into products, either individually or as combined solutions to industry challenges. Our incubation centre, departmental work cells, and commercialisation arm are in place to support this process, and we hope industry and investors will partner with students to bring these innovations to market. Additionally, there will be numerous opportunities to break new ground in the industry and research across all specialisations we cater to.
I am happy to announce that our teams have worked hard to provide visitor facilities including parking, water & sanitation, food & beverages, etc. SLT-MOBITEL’s Wi‑Fi will be available throughout the venue. There will be gaming zones where the gaming platforms have been developed inhouse. We want the visitors to have a comfortable experience, gaining insight into the work of our undergraduates and postgraduate students.
Eng. Anuruddha Rathnayake (AR): As Sri Lanka’s National ICT Solutions Provider, SLT-MOBITEL has long led digital transformation and future‑focused innovation. Partnering with the exhibition reflects our commitment to nurturing technology and innovation. It is a platform uniting talent, ideas, and industry expertise, inspiring young engineers, enabling knowledge sharing, and creating opportunities to strengthen the digital economy and drive sustainable growth.
AR: The exhibition acts as a platform that helpsbridge academia, industry, and innovation, allowing students to showcase creativity, tackle industry-driven challenges, and connect with mentors. Engaging with cutting‑edge technologies, best practices, and entrepreneurial thinking, they gain the skills, confidence, and the mindset to become tomorrow’s leaders, driving national development and global competitiveness.
AR: Open to all, the exhibition especially inspires school students, junior inventors, and young innovators. Visitors can explore engineering, experience advanced technologies including AI, and see how academic knowledge meets industry needs. It is an opportunity to spark ideas, gain insight, and connect with a community shaping Sri Lanka’s technological future.
AR: By equipping young people with digital literacy, exposure to emerging technologies, and access to platforms such as EngEx 2025, we empower them to become problem‑solvers and changemakers.
We will strengthen connectivity across the venue with 4G, expanded LEARN Network capacity, and FTTH services for all stalls. Dedicated SLT-MOBITEL 5G Experience Zones will also be set up across the exhibition, giving visitors the chance to explore next-generation connectivity and receive 5GB of free data upon connecting. Additionally, at the SLT-MOBITEL stall, visitors can discover the latest broadband, digital, and enterprise solutions.
AR: We have supported numerous platforms including the Techno Exhibition, INFOTEL ICT Exhibition, National IT Conference, SLIoT Challenge, RoboGames, and the upcoming landmark initiative of Sri Lanka’s first-ever National AI Expo & Conference. Our Smart Classroom projects and e‑learning platforms, especially during COVID, empowered thousands of students. We also partner with universities, including Peradeniya and Moratuwa, and technical institutes, to provide training, internships, and exposure to advanced ICT practices. Thus, EngEx 2025powered by SLT-MOBITEL is another milestone in strengthening this collaboration to prepare the next generation of innovators.
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