WIE Day ’26
July 11, 2026 · 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM @ Online event
Description
WIE Day ’26 was successfully organized by the IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) Student Branch Affinity Group of SLTC on 11th July 2026 as a virtual celebration in recognition of IEEE WIE Day 2026. Conducted via Zoom under the global IEEE WIE theme, “Technology with Purpose: Innovate Responsibly, Inspire Globally, Lead with Integrity,” the event brought together undergraduate STEM students, academic staff, IEEE members, and distinguished guests for an evening dedicated to celebrating the achievements of women in engineering while inspiring future innovators. Centered around the event theme, “From Innovation to Impact: A Journey in STEM Leadership,” the program provided participants with valuable insights into leadership, innovation, ethical responsibility, and personal growth through an engaging keynote session delivered by Dr. Dulini Yasara Mudunkotuwa, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. The event commenced with a welcome address delivered by the Project Chairperson, who highlighted the significance of IEEE WIE Day '26, introduced the objectives of the event, and encouraged participants to actively engage in the insightful sessions and interactive activities planned for the evening. The keynote session delivered by Dr. Dulini Yasara Mudunkotuwa served as the highlight of WIE Day ’26, offering participants an inspiring blend of personal experiences, professional insights, and practical guidance for aspiring STEM leaders. Drawing from her academic and professional journey, she demonstrated how perseverance, continuous learning, adaptability, and a commitment to meaningful innovation contribute to a successful career in engineering. By reflecting on the challenges and milestones that shaped her career, she encouraged participants to embrace every opportunity as a stepping stone toward personal and professional growth. A key focus of the session was the evolving role of engineering in addressing real-world challenges. Dr. Dulini emphasized that modern engineering extends beyond developing advanced technologies and requires professionals to create solutions that are socially responsible, sustainable, and ethically driven. She encouraged participants to consider the broader impact of engineering innovations on society while maintaining integrity and responsibility. This message strongly reflected the global IEEE WIE Day theme, highlighting the importance of purpose-driven innovation and responsible leadership. To illustrate the importance of purpose-driven engineering, Dr. Dulini showcased several innovative research projects and engineering initiatives that highlighted Sri Lanka's growing technological capabilities, including advancements in the gem industry, precision engineering, university-affiliated startups, and geographical indication research. She also presented sustainable and empathy-driven innovations, such as the development of vegan leather from invasive plant species and technologies designed to improve the quality of life of differently abled individuals, emphasizing the role of engineering in creating socially responsible, inclusive, and sustainable solutions. Complementing these examples, she discussed the personal qualities essential for successful STEM leadership, encouraging participants to seek mentorship, build meaningful professional networks, and cultivate a clear vision, passion, discipline, resilience, and a growth mindset. She reminded students that continuous learning, perseverance, and the ability to embrace challenges are fundamental to achieving long-term personal and professional success. The discussion also underscored the importance of lifelong learning in an era of rapidly evolving technologies. Dr. Dulini encouraged participants to remain curious, read extensively, expand their interdisciplinary knowledge, and continuously update their technical competencies to remain relevant in their professions. She further introduced Challenge-Based Learning (CBL) as an innovative educational approach that bridges theoretical knowledge with practical problem-solving. By working collaboratively on authentic engineering challenges, students can develop technical expertise alongside creativity, teamwork, communication, and critical thinking skills, preparing them more effectively for industry demands. The session concluded with an engaging question-and-answer segment, during which participants actively discussed engineering education, innovation, research opportunities, career development, and leadership. Dr. Dulini provided practical advice based on her own experiences, creating an open and motivating learning environment. Following the keynote, participants reinforced their learning through an interactive Kahoot quiz covering the session's key concepts. The activity encouraged active participation and friendly competition while making the learning experience more enjoyable and memorable. To recognize their engagement, participants also received LinkedIn-shareable digital achievement badges, acknowledging their participation in WIE Day ’26 and their commitment to continuous professional development. The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by the Project Secretary, expressing sincere appreciation to Dr. Dulini Yasara Mudunkotuwa for her inspiring presentation and valuable contributions. Gratitude was also extended to the IEEE WIE Student Branch Affinity Group of SLTC Executive Committee, the Academic Advisor, the Branch Counsellor, volunteers, organizing committee members, and every participant whose dedication and enthusiasm contributed to the success of WIE Day ’26. As a token of appreciation, a virtual token of appreciation was presented to the guest speaker, followed by a virtual group photograph commemorating the successful completion of the event. Overall, WIE Day ’26 successfully fulfilled its objectives by creating an inspiring platform that celebrated women in engineering while promoting responsible innovation, ethical leadership, and lifelong learning. Through meaningful discussions, practical insights, and engaging interactions, participants gained not only a broader understanding of modern engineering challenges but also valuable motivation to pursue impactful careers in STEM. The event reinforced the importance of innovation driven by purpose, integrity, and empathy, leaving participants inspired to become future engineering leaders capable of creating lasting positive change within their communities and beyond.
Agenda
07.00 PM - 07.05 PM Session introduction 07.05 PM - 07.15 PM Welcome speech 07.15 PM - 08.15 PM Main session by Guest speaker 08.15 PM - 08.35 PM Q&A session 08.35 PM - 08.50 PM Quiz session 08.50 PM - 08.55 PM Guest Speaker appreciation 08.55 PM - 09.00 PM Vote of thanks