The Annual General meeting of IMechE student chapter of University of Moratuwa for the year 2021 was successfully held on 19th August 2021 as a virtual event. The event was honoured with the participation of Dr. Himan Punchihewa; Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dr. J.R. Gamage, Dr. Lihil Subasinghe, academic staff members of the Department, and the students of 2017, 2018, and 2019 intakes.
Commencing the meeting Dr. J.R. Gamage addressed the gathering with a warm welcome speech. During his speech, he mentioned that he was impressed and delighted with the goals that the IMechE student chapter had achieved in the past few years. Since 2016 Dr. Gamage has offered his tremendous knowledge and advice to the chapter as the chapter counsellor. He further shared some memories of the chapter, and he ended the speech with adding his precious greetings to the new chapter counsellor and incoming office bearers.
During Dr. J.R. Gamage's speech
After the welcome speech, Dr. Himan Punchihewa shared a few words with the audience emphasising that all the undergraduates should “try as much as possible to force on the skills part of your learning and build up your attitude to work towards the benefit of people''. Then he announced Dr. Lihil Subasinghe as the new chapter counsellor and offered his best wishes to all the outgoing and incoming office bearers.
During Dr. Himan Punchihewa's speech
After presenting the minutes of the AGM 2020 and year review by outgoing secretary; Mr. Thisara Samarasekara, Team Mora Avions shared their story about “Road to UAS Challenge” with the audience. Team Mora Avions became the 2nd Runner Up in IMechE UAS Challenge Competition 2021.
Team Mora Avions presented "Road to UAS Challenge"
Thereafter, Dr. Gamage presided the meeting until a new secretary and a president were elected then the other office bearers for the year 2021/22 were elected under the precedence of the newly appointed president.
IMechE Student Chapter of University of Moratuwa - Members of the Board for the year 2021/22
- Chapter Counsellor – Dr. Lihil Subasinghe
- President – Mr. Kavindu Helshan
- Secretary – Mr. Nawod Weerasinghe
- Treasurer – Ms. Janani Waduge
- Communication Officer – Mr. Harith Sandeepa
- Membership Officer – Ms. Ransini Gunarathna
- Assistant Communication Officer – Mr. Janindu Dilsara
- Assistant Membership Officer – Mr. Kasun Attanayake
- Committee Members – Mr. Madhuka Dilshan, Mr. Kalindu Salith, Mr. Udara Senadhipathi, Mr. Dasith Amarasinghe
The most highlighted segment of the event; the keynote speech on “Battery Safety” was delivered by Dr. Lihil Subasinghe. In his keynote, he descriptively discussed about Li-ion Battery Safety and how to handle Li-ion battery fires safely. He pointed out how the world’s energy demand is gradually being shifted towards renewable energy sources and the role of batteries in storing energy. Further he illustrated some fire incidents happened over the years and he emphasised that battery safety is a key fact that we must focus on as engineers who are working with batteries in day-to-day life. Apart from that, he presented a valuable demonstration of different types of fire extinguishers which is highly important to prevent a fire caused by batteries or any other combustible material. Later, Dr. Subasinghe held a valuable discussion on prevailing issues related to batteries that can emerge in our day-to-day lives and how to overcome those issues.
During Dr. Lihil Subasinghe's keynote speech
Concluding the Annual General Meeting of IMechE student chapter of University of Moratuwa, newly appointed secretary delivered the vote of thanks, heartily appreciating the immense guidance and leadership given by the outgoing counsellor Dr. J.R. Gamage and wishing all the success to the outgoing members of the board, in their future endeavours.
Congratulations and best wishes to the new chapter counsellor and office bearers for a great year ahead.
Published on 24th August 2021