Department of Industrial Management

7th International Research Conference on Smart Computing and Systems Engineering - 2024

The International Research Conference on Smart Computing and Systems Engineering organized by the Department of Industrial Management, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya provides a distinguished platform for academia to present their research within their respective fields of interest

The inauguration ceremony of the 7th International Research Conference on Smart Computing and Systems Engineering - 2024 organized by the Department of Industrial Management was held on April 04, 2024. It was graced with the presence of Keynote Speakers - Prof. Roshan Ragel and Prof. Antonija Mitrovic, Vice Chancellor, University of Kelaniya – Prof. Nilanthi De Silva, Dean, Faculty of Science – Prof. Sudath Kalingamudali, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences – Prof. M. Gunathilake, Dean, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies – Prof. Bandara Wanninayake, Dean, Faculty of Humanities – Dr. Sudath Senerath, Dean, Faculty of Computing and Technology – Dr. Chamli Pushpakumara, Chairman, Research Council – Prof. Sachith Meththananda, Librarian, University of Kelaniya, Dr. Chaminda Jayasundara, Registrar, University of Kelaniya, Mr. K Dharmathilake, Head, Department of Industrial Management – Prof. Janaka Wijayanayake, Conference Chair – Dr. Chathura Rajapakse, Technical Program Chair – Mr. Dinesh Asanka and Conference Secretary - Dr. Thilini Mahanama.

SCSE 2024 was supported by esteemed technical sponsors including IEEE, IEEE Sri Lanka Section, and IEEE Computer Society, alongside the platinum sponsor Huawei Technologies Lanka Company Pvt Ltd. Their generous contributions paved the way for an enriching experience for all attendees.

The inauguration ceremony commenced with a warm welcome address by Dr. Chathura Rajapakse, the Conference Chair, setting the stage for insightful speeches from distinguished figures including Prof. Sudath Kalingamudali, Prof. Sachith Meththananda and Prof. Nilanthi De Silva.

The highlight of the event was the insightful speeches delivered by two iconic personalities, Prof. Antonio Mitrovic and Prof. Roshan Ragel, who graced the occasion as keynote speakers, further adding to the significance of the conference inauguration.

The first keynote speaker Prof. Antonija Mitrovic, full professor in the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering at the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand virtually shared her valuable insights on The Effectiveness of AI-Based Support for Engagement, during Video-Based Learning.

The second keynote speaker Prof. Roshan Ragel, head of department and Professor of Computer Engineering at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka addressed the audience on AI and IoT: Emerging Trends and Future Directions in the Industry 5.0 Era offering valuable perspectives on the technological landscape of tomorrow.

The inauguration ceremony concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Thilini Mahanama, the Conference Secretary.

Subsequently, the technical sessions commenced, signalling the beginning of a series of engaging discussions and presentations. Seventy-six papers were presented under the seven technical tracks: Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Supply Chain and Logistics Systems, Industrial Engineering and Management, Smart Systems Engineering, IT and Education, and Systematic Reviews. These papers were aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined by the United Nations.

Overall, we are delighted to share that SCSE 2024 witnessed participation from esteemed research scholars, authors, academia, and industry experts from around the world, contributing to the success of the conference.

A JOURNEY BEGINS: CELSIUS IT VENTURES INTO THE FUTURE

A team of enterprising undergraduates, fueled by passion and innovation, launched Celsius IT (Pvt) Ltd, a beacon of entrepreneurial spirit on March 19, 2024. This milestone not only marks the birth of a startup but also showcases the potential and enthusiasm of undergraduates to embark on their entrepreneurial ventures.

We extend our sincere congratulations to the Celsius IT team comprising Chamil Yahampath (Co-Founder), Pathum Lakruwan (Co-Founder/Director), Sonal Paranawithana (Co-Founder), Thamindu Niranjana (Director), Vishath Amarasinghe, Anuji Vithana, Ishadya Abeysinghe, Avishna Arambewela, and Kasun Dananjaya. As they embark upon this exciting venture, we sincerely hope their endeavors are guided by innovation, leading them toward a future with possibilities and prosperity.

EXPOSITION: CELEBRATING A LEGACY OF INSIGHT AND INSPIRATION

Exposition, organized by the Industrial Management Science Students’ Association (IMSSA) at the University of Kelaniya, has been a pivotal event for nearly two decades, bridging the gap between Management and IT fields.

In 2024, the Exposition underwent significant expansion with the introduction of Exposition Industrial Week, featuring participation from leading companies in the industry. Over 300 students engaged in interviews, seminars, and knowledge-sharing sessions conducted by industry giants. Exposition Issue 19 featured a diverse array of content, including research articles, undergraduate achievements, and interviews with prominent industry figures such as Mr. Dian Gomes, the Honorary Consul of Georgia at the Honorary Consulate of Georgia in Colombo, who is also the former Chairman of Hela Clothing and the former Group Director of MAS Holdings. Other notable interviewees included Ms. Kanchana Priyakantha, the founder and CEO of KReader; Dr. Ananda Handunge, CEO of the Solid Tyre Division at Ferentino Tyres; Dr. Upendra Peiris, CEO of OREL IT; and Mr. Santhush Weeraman, Managing Director of BNS Productions and SGM Films.

The launching event of Exposition Issue 19 encompassed a keynote address by Mr. Dian Gomes, Edify inter-university and intra-departmental article competition award ceremony, and a recognition of research excellence among undergraduates. The Exposition Industrial Forum 2024 was a highlight of the day and focused on "Data Democracy," featuring notable panelists discussing challenges in the digital age. Overall, the event provided a platform for students to interact with corporate entities and gain valuable insights. The success of this year's Exposition sets the stage for future editions, promising continued engagement and innovation.

AI-POWERED SALESFORCE SYMPOSIUM BY CODETERRIERS

CODETerriers hosted an enlightening workshop tailored for third-year and fourth-year undergraduates of the Department of Industrial Management on March 16, 2024. This workshop served as a platform for knowledge enrichment, networking opportunities, and career exploration. The agenda encompassed practical sessions, informative sessions, interactive activities, engaging Q&A sessions, and simulated interview experiences. The undergraduates who actively participated in coding challenges and quizzes, and contributed to social media engagement were rewarded with tokens of appreciation.

The Department of Industrial Management considers its collaboration with CODETerriers a pronounced privilege, and we are delighted to declare that the AI-Powered Salesforce Symposium proved to be a remarkable success.

ORIENTATION PROGRAM FOR THE 2022/2023 BATCH OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL MANAGEMENT

The Department of Industrial Management successfully conducted a 3-day orientation program from the 4th of March to the 6th of March for the new batch of students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science (Honors) in Management and Information Technology degree program for the academic year 2022/2023. The inauguration ceremony of this orientation program was graced by esteemed dignitaries including Senior Professor Nilanthi De Silva, Vice Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, Senior Professor Sudath Kalingamudali, Dean of the Faculty of Science, and Professor Janaka Wijayanayake, Head of the Department of Industrial Management, along with academic and non-academic staff, parents, and students.

The primary objective of this orientation program was to formally commence the academic journey of the 2022/2023 batch and acquaint them with the academic and extracurricular opportunities available within the department and the university. Throughout the program, participants engaged in a series of enriching activities including speeches, awareness sessions, and experience-sharing sessions led by esteemed individuals from academia and industry, alumni and fourth-year undergraduates. Notable speakers included Professor Rangika Halwathura from the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Moratuwa, Dr. Manuja Perera from the Department of Public Health at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, and Dr. Ranjit Cabral, Chairman of Vidura College, among others. The orientation program provided the participants with a comprehensive overview of the degree program, departmental structure, and the myriad of facilities and opportunities available both within the department and the university, including library resources, counselling services, and sports facilities. By participating in this orientation program, students gained valuable insights into the essential operations and resources within the Department of Industrial Management, setting a strong foundation for their academic journey ahead.

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