About Us

The IEEE Power & Energy Society – Student Branch Chapter, University of Jaffna is comprised of IEEE members from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering,  University of Jaffna. This is based in Ariviyal Nagar in the northern part of Sri Lanka.

As a fresher climbing up the ladder, we work towards the mission of PES, which is to be the leading provider of scientific and engineering information on electric power and energy for the betterment of society and the preferred professional development source of our members.

Our Student Branch Chapter focuses on acknowledging members and the general public on the latest technological advancements in the power and energy field. Furthermore, we encourage our members a discourse on the future of power generation, economical operations, and eco-friendly alternatives. Along with that, this establishment serves as a perfect ground to build outstanding industrial leaders in the future while nourishing the professional as well as technical skills of our fellow members.

Our History

The IEEE PES UOJ SB Chapter was established on December 20, 2018, within the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Jaffna. The chapter was founded with the goal of promoting and fostering interest in the field of Power and Energy Systems among the students of the university.

Dev Sugandhika played a pivotal role as the founding chairman of the IEEE PES UOJ SB Chapter. Under their leadership, the chapter was able to lay a strong foundation and initiate various activities related to power and energy systems. As the founding chairman, Dev Sugandhika provided guidance and support to the chapter members in organizing events, engaging in technical discussions, and fostering a collaborative environment for knowledge sharing.

Eng. R. Valluwan served as the founding Student Branch Adviser, bringing their expertise and mentorship to the chapter. As the Student Branch Adviser, Eng. R. Valluwan played a crucial role in guiding the activities of the chapter and ensuring the successful execution of initiatives related to power and energy systems.

Since its inception, the IEEE PES UOJ SB Chapter has been actively involved in organizing technical workshops, seminars, guest lectures, and other events focused on power and energy systems. These activities aim to enhance the knowledge and skills of the student members, provide networking opportunities, and create a platform for the exchange of ideas in the field of power and energy.

The chapter continues to grow and expand its activities, striving to inspire and educate students in the field of power and energy systems. Through its initiatives, the IEEE PES UOJ SB Chapter plays a significant role in promoting academic and professional development, fostering innovation, and contributing to the advancement of the power and energy sector in the region.

Key Information

Founding Date20th of December 2018
Founding ChairmanMr. Dev Sugandhika
AdvisorProf. Athputharajah Arulampalam
Founding Student Branch AdvisorMr. R. Valluvan
Mr. Ragupathyraj Valluvan
Founding Advisor

Mr. R. Valluvan received his B.Sc. Eng (Hons) degree with first class honours in 2007 from University of Peradeniya and obtained his Master of Science in Electrical Engineering focusing on Telecommunications in 2010. He is pursuing his Doctoral degree at University of California, Irvine. Presently, he is attached to the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department as Lecturer(Probationary).

He is an Associate Member of the Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL).

Dev Sugandhika
Founding Chair

Dev Sugandhika is an accomplished professional with a distinguished career in the field of engineering. With a background in B.Sc. Eng (Hons) and AMIE (SL), he has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in his field. Dev's expertise extends to the realm of engineering, where he has excelled as an Assistant Director.He holds the esteemed title of A. Eng (ECSL) and is a proud member of professional organizations such as AM (SLEMA), MIEEE (USA), MIET (UK), and MIAENG. Dev's involvement in these prestigious institutions reflects his dedication to staying at the forefront of engineering advancements.

Prof. Arulampalam Atputharajah
Current Advisor

Prof. A. Atputharajah is an accomplished academic with a diverse and distinguished career. He received his BSc Eng Degree with first-class honors from the University of Peradeniya in 1997 and earned his PhD from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) in 2003. He has held various roles in academia, including Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Jaffna and Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Peradeniya. Prof. Atputharajah's research has spanned power quality, energy-saving, and renewable energy projects. He has received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to the field, including the Outstanding Engineer Award from IEEE Power and Energy Society (PES) Sri Lanka Chapter in 2014.

The day when we shall know exactly what electricity is will chronicle an event probably greater, more important than any other recorded in the history of the human race. The time will come when the comfort, the very existence, perhaps, of man will depend upon that wonderful agent.
-Nikola Tesla