Description

The IEEE Communication Society Student Chapter of the University of Ruhuna successfully organized its first-ever technical field visit , providing undergraduate students with a unique opportunity to explore the SEA-ME-WE 6 (Southeast Asia–Middle East–Western Europe 6) Submarine Cable Landing Station in Matara on 21st May 2026. SEA-ME-WE 6 is one of the world's most advanced submarine cable systems, spanning approximately 21,700 km and connecting countries across Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Designed with state-of-the-art optical fiber technology and a capacity of up to 130 Tbps , the system plays a vital role in enabling high-speed, low-latency international connectivity and supporting the growing global demand for digital communication services. As Sri Lanka's latest gateway to the global internet infrastructure, the SEA-ME-WE 6 landing station represents a significant milestone in strengthening the country's position as a regional digital hub. The visit provided students with valuable insights into how international submarine cable systems operate, their importance in global communications, and the critical role they play in supporting internet services, cloud computing, digital businesses, and modern communication networks. Throughout the visit, participants had the opportunity to learn about the architecture, operation, and maintenance of submarine communication systems while engaging with experienced industry professionals from Sri Lanka Telecom. The experience helped bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world telecommunications infrastructure, allowing students to better understand the practical applications of communication engineering concepts. The success of this field visit was made possible through the invaluable guidance and support of Dr. Geeth Priyankara, Chapter Advisor of the IEEE Communication Society Student Chapter , whose continuous encouragement helped transform this initiative into a reality. The chapter also extends its sincere appreciation to the staff of Sri Lanka Telecom and the SEA-ME-WE 6 Landing Station for their warm hospitality, detailed technical sessions, and willingness to share their expertise with the students. The enthusiasm, professionalism, and active participation demonstrated by the students throughout the visit further highlighted the value of such industry engagements. This landmark event not only enhanced technical knowledge but also inspired students to explore future opportunities in telecommunications, networking, and global communication technologies. As the inaugural field visit organized by the IEEE Communication Society Student Chapter of the University of Ruhuna, this initiative marks an important step toward strengthening industry-academia collaboration and creating more opportunities for experiential learning in the years ahead. Objectives Provide practical exposure to modern submarine communication systems. Enhance understanding of international telecommunications infrastructure. Introduce students to the operation and significance of submarine cable networks. Bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world engineering applications. Foster industry engagement and professional development opportunities. Inspire students to explore careers and research opportunities in communication engineering and networking technologies.