The WePower Sri Lanka National Chapter successfully hosted a residential workshop at the CEB Samanalawewa Power Station and Kinchigune Training Center on May 2-3, 2024, aimed at empowering female undergraduates from various universities across Sri Lanka. The workshop, made possible through generous funding and support from the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and Lanka Electricity Company (LECO), in collaboration with IEEE Women in Engineering Sri Lanka (WIE SL), was a resounding success. Special thanks are extended to Dr. Narendra de Silva, General Manager of CEB and LECO, for his immense support. The dedication of the co-chair of the WePower National Chapter, Ms. Himali Zoysa, along with Akila Wijethunge and a dedicated team comprising Thejagayani Jayathilaka, Lanka Perera, Kushmy Senaratna, Melundi Nishanka, and several others from CEB and LECO, led to its success.
The primary objective of the workshop was to empower female undergraduates in the field of power engineering by providing them with valuable insights, practical skills, and networking opportunities. Additionally, the event aimed to foster collaboration between academia and industry, promote gender diversity and inclusion, and inspire young women to pursue careers in the power sector.
The workshop featured a diverse range of activities, including interactive sessions, technical demonstrations, hands-on training in Hotwire maintenance, and networking opportunities. Participants had the opportunity to engage with industry experts, tour power facilities, and participate in skill-building workshops focused on various aspects of power engineering. Additionally, round table discussions and mentoring sessions provided valuable insights into career opportunities, professional development, and overcoming gender barriers in the field.
The event facilitated meaningful connections between female undergraduates, industry professionals, and academic mentors, fostering a supportive community and empowering young women to pursue leadership roles in the field. Furthermore, the collaboration between WePower, CEB, LECO, and IEEE WIE SL demonstrated the collective commitment to promoting gender diversity, inclusion, and excellence in the power industry. Moving forward, we remain committed to supporting and uplifting women in the field, driving innovation, and advancing the sustainable development of Sri Lanka's energy landscape.
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and Lanka Electricity Company (LECO) for their generous support and collaboration in making this workshop possible. Additionally, we express our appreciation to all the participants, speakers, and volunteers who contributed to the success of the event.
Written by Akila Wijethunga
Bio: Akila Wijethunge is a lecturer in Mechatronics Technology at the Faculty of Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. She is an active volunteer in professional organizations, focusing on technical advancements, professional development, and STEM education. with the interest of contributing more to women in power, she co-chairs the Sri Lanka WePOWER national chapter
Blog » Sri Lanka National Chapter residential workshops | May 2024
Sri Lanka National Chapter residential workshops | May 2024
The WePower Sri Lanka National Chapter successfully hosted a residential workshop at the CEB Samanalawewa Power Station and Kinchigune Training Center on May 2-3, 2024, aimed at empowering female undergraduates from various universities across Sri Lanka. The workshop, made possible through generous funding and support from the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and Lanka Electricity Company (LECO), in collaboration with IEEE Women in Engineering Sri Lanka (WIE SL), was a resounding success. Special thanks are extended to Dr. Narendra de Silva, General Manager of CEB and LECO, for his immense support. The dedication of the co-chair of the WePower National Chapter, Ms. Himali Zoysa, along with Akila Wijethunge and a dedicated team comprising Thejagayani Jayathilaka, Lanka Perera, Kushmy Senaratna, Melundi Nishanka, and several others from CEB and LECO, led to its success.
The primary objective of the workshop was to empower female undergraduates in the field of power engineering by providing them with valuable insights, practical skills, and networking opportunities. Additionally, the event aimed to foster collaboration between academia and industry, promote gender diversity and inclusion, and inspire young women to pursue careers in the power sector.
The workshop featured a diverse range of activities, including interactive sessions, technical demonstrations, hands-on training in Hotwire maintenance, and networking opportunities. Participants had the opportunity to engage with industry experts, tour power facilities, and participate in skill-building workshops focused on various aspects of power engineering. Additionally, round table discussions and mentoring sessions provided valuable insights into career opportunities, professional development, and overcoming gender barriers in the field.
The event facilitated meaningful connections between female undergraduates, industry professionals, and academic mentors, fostering a supportive community and empowering young women to pursue leadership roles in the field. Furthermore, the collaboration between WePower, CEB, LECO, and IEEE WIE SL demonstrated the collective commitment to promoting gender diversity, inclusion, and excellence in the power industry. Moving forward, we remain committed to supporting and uplifting women in the field, driving innovation, and advancing the sustainable development of Sri Lanka's energy landscape.
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and Lanka Electricity Company (LECO) for their generous support and collaboration in making this workshop possible. Additionally, we express our appreciation to all the participants, speakers, and volunteers who contributed to the success of the event.
Written by Akila Wijethunga
Bio: Akila Wijethunge is a lecturer in Mechatronics Technology at the Faculty of Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. She is an active volunteer in professional organizations, focusing on technical advancements, professional development, and STEM education. with the interest of contributing more to women in power, she co-chairs the Sri Lanka WePOWER national chapter