Description

Inception’26 marked a significant milestone for the IEEE Student Branch of the Informatics Institute of Technology, as it hosted its Annual General Meeting and Installation Ceremony on 20th February 2026 at the IIT Auditorium, Bambalapitiya. The ceremony officially inducted the new committees of the IEEE Student Branch along with its affiliated chapters the IEEE Computer Society, IEEE Robotics and Automation Society, and IEEE Computational Intelligence Society as well as the IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) Affinity Group for the term 2026. This prestigious occasion symbolized the transition of leadership and the continuation of a legacy driven by innovation, collaboration, and excellence. The event was graced by distinguished guests with Prof. Tharaka Samarasinghe, Chairperson of the IEEE Sri Lanka Section, attending as the Chief Guest, and Dr. Dilhari Attygalle, Dean of the IIT School of Computing, as the Guest of Honour. The presence of esteemed advisors, faculty members and representatives from the IEEE Sri Lanka Section further elevated the significance of the ceremony. The proceedings commenced with the traditional lighting of the oil lamp, signifying a new beginning, followed by the opening remarks and an inspiring address by the Chief Guest. The ceremony then featured the presentation of annual reports by the Student Branch and its chapters, showcasing the key achievements and milestones of the 2025 term. The Treasurer’s report was also presented, providing a comprehensive overview of the branch’s financial standing. A key highlight of Inception’26 was the recognition and appreciation segment where Project Chairs, Best Volunteers, outgoing committee members and advisors were honored for their exceptional dedication and contributions. Tokens of appreciation were presented in acknowledgment of their efforts in driving impactful initiatives throughout the year. The pinnacle of the event was the official badging ceremony where the newly appointed committees of the IEEE Student Branch its chapters, and the affinity group were formally inducted by the distinguished guests, marking the beginning of their leadership journey for 2026. The ceremony concluded with inspiring remarks from the Incoming Chairperson, outlining the vision and direction for the upcoming term, followed by the Vote of Thanks delivered by the Incoming Secretary. Inception’26 stood as a celebration of achievements and a gateway to new opportunities, setting the stage for a year of innovation, growth and meaningful contributions to the IEEE community.