Panel Discussion on “Adapting Sri Lanka’s Power System To The Realities Of Renewable Energy Growth”
March 25, 2025 · 4:00 AM - 6:30 AM @ Ratmalana, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University
Description
The IEEE Power & Energy Society Student Branch Chapter of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University successfully conducted a panel discussion on March 25, 2025, at the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) Auditorium. The discussion focused on "Adapting Sri Lanka’s Power System to the Realities of Renewable Energy Growth", bringing together industry experts, faculty members, and students to explore the challenges and opportunities of integrating renewable energy into the national grid. The distinguished panel featured Eng. Buddhika Samarasekara (Deputy General Manager, System Control, CEB), Eng. Athula Jayathunga (Former Director General, Sustainable Energy Authority), Eng. Kosala Udagahapattuwa (Principal, CEB Training Centre, Piliyandala), and Eng. Akmal Gunasekara (Managing Director, Phoenix Solar Solutions). Their expertise provided valuable insights into the evolving power sector and the future of renewable energy integration in Sri Lanka. The event was attended by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Defence & Administration), Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, the Head of the Department of Electrical, Electronic & Telecommunication Engineering, Senior Professor, Eng. J Rohan Lucas, lecturers, faculty members, and students from Intakes 39, 40, 41, and 42. The discussion followed a structured agenda, beginning with the arrival of guests and introductions. Following the introduction of panelists, there were 15-minute individual discussions with each panelist, where key questions were asked on stage. The discussions were moderated by the Chairman for the year 2023/ 2024, Shakir Wazeer, and Chairman for the year 2024/ 2025 , Vinujitha Pindeniya of IEEE PES KDU, ensuring a structured and insightful conversation. A key highlight of the event was the interactive Q&A session, where audience members had the opportunity to ask questions, including those submitted in advance through an online platform. The session was livestreamed through zoom, and the questions of online participants were gathered through an app. The session concluded with key takeaways from the panelists, followed by the handing over of plaques for their valuable contribution, networking and lunch. This engaging and thought-provoking discussion served as a platform for knowledge-sharing and fostering meaningful conversations on sustainable energy solutions for Sri Lanka's future.
Agenda
Time Event details 09:30- 09:45 AM Arrival of guests and Welcome Drink Service 09:45- 10:00 AM Commencement of the Event and Introduction of Panelists 10:00- 10:15 AM Discussion with Eng. Akmal Gunasekara 10:15- 10:30 AM Discussion with Eng. Kosala Udugahapattuwa 10:30- 10:45 AM Discussion with Eng. Athula Jayathunga 10:45- 11:00 AM Discussion with Eng. Buddhika Samarasekara 11:00- 11:45 AM Q & A Session 11:45 AM- 12:00 PM Conclusion 12:00 PM Lunch