Description

The “AI for All: A Gateway to Cross-Disciplinary Innovation” workshop was a landmark event held on June 2, 2025, at the Faculty of Applied Sciences Auditorium, South Eastern University of Sri Lanka (SEUSL). Organized by the IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) Student Branch at SEUSL, in collaboration with the Multidisciplinary AI Research Centre (MARC) of the University of Peradeniya, this initiative was further supported by the Computer Science Society of Faculty of Applied Science and the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS) – Eastern Chapter. The event brought together students, academics, and industry professionals to explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can drive innovation across diverse academic and industrial fields. The event featured a panel of distinguished speakers including Prof. Janaka Ekanayake, Prof. Vijitha Herath, Prof. Roshan Godaliyaddha, Prof. Parakrama Ekanayake, Prof. Sakunthala Yatigammana Ekanayake, Dr. Asitha Bandaranayake, and Prof. Roshan G. Ragel. These leading minds shared profound insights into the transformative power of AI and its role in promoting cross-disciplinary collaboration, ethical considerations, and real-world applications. Special appreciation was extended to Dr. M.A.C. Akmal Jahan, Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science and Event Coordinator, for her dedicated leadership and guidance throughout the event. We were also privileged to have the support of Dr. M.H. Haroon, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences; Prof. M.A.L. Abdul Haleem, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering; and Dr. Chinthaka, Head of the Department of Electrical and Telecommunication Engineering, whose presence enriched the workshop. The contributions of all academic staff and the hard work of our student volunteers were instrumental in the smooth execution of this inspiring event. With over 380 enthusiastic student attendees, this workshop not only broadened our understanding of AI but also emphasized the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. It was a celebration of curiosity, creativity, and the endless possibilities that AI offers to shape the future. As a representative of IEEE WIE SEUSL, I hope this event has inspired all participants—especially young women in engineering—to embrace AI and lead the way in driving meaningful, cross-disciplinary impact.