Annual General Meeting & Awards Ceremony 2026 - IEEE Student Branch of SLTC
August 19, 2026 · 3:30 AM - 6:30 AM @ Research Building, Padukka, RB-GF-03 Hall
Description
The Annual General Meeting & Awards Ceremony 2026 of the IEEE Student Branch of SLTC marked an important milestone in the journey of the Student Branch, bringing together distinguished guests, academic representatives, IEEE leaders, students, volunteers, and members of the SLTC IEEE community. The event reflected on the achievements of the 2025/26 administrative term, recognized outstanding contributions, and formally commenced the new 2026/27 leadership term. The programme commenced with the formal initiation of the AGM, highlighting the role of IEEE in advancing technological innovation and excellence and the contribution of the IEEE Student Branch of SLTC towards developing knowledgeable and innovative undergraduates. The Branch is strengthened by the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society (IES), IEEE Computer Society (CS), IEEE Industry Applications Society (IAS) Student Branch Chapters, and the IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) Student Branch Affinity Group. The event began with the traditional lighting of the oil lamp, symbolizing unity, positivity, and the beginning of a meaningful occasion. This was followed by a traditional Pooja Dance performed by the SLTC Performing Arts Club, adding a cultural element to the ceremony. The Welcome Speech was delivered by Mr. Akindu Randira, Vice Chairperson of the IEEE Student Branch of SLTC. The 2025/26 Annual Activity Report was presented by the outgoing Chairperson, Ms. Nethmi Fernando, providing an overview of the activities, achievements, and progress of the previous administrative term. A video showcasing the previous year's activities and memories was also presented. The outgoing Secretary, Ms. Tharushi Nadunika, presented the 2025/26 AGM Minutes, followed by the Annual Financial Report presented by the outgoing Treasurer, Mr. Isuru Balasooriya. These sessions highlighted the importance of documentation, transparency, accountability, and responsible management within the Student Branch. The AGM was honored by the presence of the Chief Guest, Prof. Wipula Yapa, Dean of the Faculty of Science at SLTC and Professor in Zoology, who addressed the gathering and shared valuable insights and encouragement with the IEEE community. A token of appreciation was presented in recognition of his presence and contribution. A key part of the AGM was the appointment of the new Student Advisory Committee for 2026/27, with the participation of Mrs. Warunika Hippola, Academic Advisor of the IEEE Student Branch of SLTC. The event then proceeded with the appointment of the new Executive Committees and Sub-Committee Heads of the IEEE Student Branch, IES, CS, IAS, and WIE for the 2026/27 term, formally transferring leadership and responsibilities to the incoming teams. The outgoing Chairperson, Ms. Nethmi Fernando, delivered her farewell address, followed by the speech of the newly appointed Chairperson, Mr. Sachila Chathnuka, who shared his vision and plans for the upcoming term. The Guest of Honour, Mr. Manodhya Nabadewewa, Assistant Treasurer of the IEEE Sri Lanka Section and an alumnus of SLTC, addressed the gathering and shared his experience and encouragement with the new generation of IEEE volunteers. Mr. Mahdy Abdullah Nawfar, Vice Chairperson of Branch Engagement of the IEEE Sri Lanka Section Student Activities Committee, also addressed the gathering and shared his best wishes and valuable insights. The programme further featured an address by Mr. Chathila Walgama, President of the SLTC Student Interactive Society, highlighting the collaboration between the Student Interactive Society and the IEEE Student Branch of SLTC. The contributions of the 2025/26 Student Advisory Committee and Round Table were formally recognized through certificates and tokens of appreciation. Their leadership, guidance, dedication, and service throughout the previous administrative term were acknowledged. The newly appointed 2026/27 Round Table was also formally recognized through the handing over of appointment letters, marking the official commencement of the new leadership term. The event continued with another performance from the SLTC Performing Arts Club before proceeding to the Awards Ceremony. Awards Ceremony The Awards Ceremony recognized outstanding commitment, innovation, leadership, and volunteer contributions throughout the 2025/26 administrative term. The Tier 1 - Initiative Excellence Awards recognized outstanding projects and initiatives. The Technical Excellence Award was presented to InnovMind V3.0, the Community Impact Award to WiSTEM, and the Outstanding Project Award to Codemania V6.0. The Tier 2 - Organizational Unit Award recognized excellence at the Organizational Unit level. The Membership Recruitment & Retention Award was presented to the IEEE Computer Society Student Branch Chapter of SLTC. The Tier 3 - Executive Committee Recognition Awards recognized outstanding Executive Committee volunteers: Ms. Nethmi Fernando, Ms. Vimarshana Kithmini, Ms. Zahra Ismail, Ms. Tharushi Nadunika, Mr. Achintha Lakshan, Mr. Isuru Balasooriya, and Mr. Geeth Pelpola. The Tier 3 - Sub Committee Volunteer Recognition Awards recognized volunteers who contributed behind the scenes to the successful execution of activities. Awards were presented to Mr. Ravishka Rathnayake for Membership Development, Mr. Sachila Chathnuka for Program & Logistics, Ms. Omaya Nayagara for Editorial, Mr. Tishan Arunalu for Finance, Mr. Manura Anuhas for Public Visibility, and Ms. Kavindi Kariyawasam for Volunteer Engagement. The event also marked the launch of the newly revamped IEEE Student Branch of SLTC website, representing an important step in strengthening the Branch's digital presence, communication, and engagement with the wider community. The programme concluded with the Closing Remarks and Vote of Thanks delivered by the newly appointed Secretary, Ms. Omaya Nayagara, expressing gratitude to the distinguished guests, university representatives, outgoing and incoming committees, volunteers, supporting units, performers, award recipients, and participants. Overall, the IEEE Student Branch of SLTC Annual General Meeting & Awards Ceremony 2026 served as a celebration of leadership, volunteerism, innovation, teamwork, service, and achievement. It provided an opportunity to recognize the contributions of the 2025/26 term while formally welcoming the 2026/27 leadership and inspiring the IEEE community at SLTC to continue creating meaningful impact through technology, collaboration, and dedicated volunteering.
Agenda
09:00 AM - 09:05 AM Initiation of the Event 09:05 AM - 09:10 AM Lighting the Oil Lamp 09:10 AM - 09:20 AM Pooja Dance 09:20 AM - 09:25 AM Welcome Speech 09:25 AM - 09:30 AM 2025/2026 Activity Report by the Outgoing Chairperson 09:30 AM - 09:35 AM Video of Last Year's Activities 09.35 AM - 09:40 AM 2025/2026 AGM Minutes by the Outgoing Secretary 09:40 AM - 09:45 AM Treasury Report Presentation by the Outgoing Treasurer 09:45 AM - 09:50 AM Chief Guest Speech by Prof. Wipula Yapa 09:50 AM - 10:00 AM Appointment of the New Student Advisory Committee 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM Appointment of the Newly Elected Executive Committees and Sub Committees 10:15 AM - 10.20 AM Speech by Outgoing SLTC IEEE SB Chairperson 10.20 AM - 10:25 AM Speech by Newly Appointed SLTC IEEE SB Chairperson 10:25 AM - 10:30 AM Guest of Honour Speech by Mr.Mnodhya Nabadawewa 10:30 AM - 10:35 AM Speech by Mr. Madhy Abdulla Nawfar 10:35 AM - 10:40 AM Speech by SLTC Student Interactive Society President 10:40 AM - 10:50 AM Entertainment Item 10:50 AM - 11:35 AM Awards Ceremony 11:35 AM - 11:45 AM Handing Certificates and Tokens of Appreciation 11:45 AM - 11:50 AM Vote of Thanks