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Lankan scientist in UK honoured with OBE

Published

5 months ago

December 31, 2023

editor

In a groundbreaking recognition of his contributions to innovation technology and STEM education, Sri Lankan scientist Dr. Sabesan Sithamparanathan, the pioneer of the world’s most accurate battery-free real-time location tracking technology, has been awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the King’s 2024 New Year Honours List.

Dr. Sithamparanathan’s revolutionary RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) systems, boasting near 100 percent accuracy and an impressive 20-meter detection range without the need for batteries, have found applications in various sectors globally. These include deployment in several NHS trusts, major aircraft manufacturers, airlines, and blue-chip retailers.

RFID systems utilise electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and locate tags attached to objects. Dr. Sithamparanathan’s innovations have significantly surpassed industry standards, achieving over 99 percent accuracy compared to the typical 80 percent, with an extended detection range.

Born and educated in Sri Lanka, Dr. Sithamparanathan’s journey in technology began with studies in physics, mathematics, and chemistry. His pursuit of excellence led him to the UK, where he studied Electronic Engineering at the University of Sheffield on a scholarship, earning a prestigious Sir William Siemens Medal. Following this, he embarked on a remarkable career, including a stint as a student electronic engineer at tech giant ARM and eventually pursuing a PhD at the University of Cambridge.

Establishing his company, PervasID, to commercialise his innovations, Dr. Sithamparanathan seamlessly blended academia with commercial viability. His entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with his ability to secure funding and mentorship, propelled PervasID into a multimillion-dollar global enterprise, raising over $10 million in investment.

PervasID’s technology has been transformative in various industries. Major retailers have adopted it for accurate inventory management, enhancing sales and customer satisfaction. In manufacturing, it aids in tracking supplies, preventing safety incidents in critical sectors such as aerospace. In healthcare, the technology ensures the traceability of medical devices, a crucial aspect highlighted during the Covid-19 pandemic.

(sundayobsever)

News

Fire breaks out in workers’ living quarters near Colombo Port

Published

16 hours ago

May 19, 2024

editor

A fire has reportedly broken out in the living quarters of highway access road workers near the Colombo Port.

The Colombo Fire Brigade said it has dispatched four fire trucks to assist in extinguishing the flames.

News

President Wickremesinghe meets Elon Musk to discuss starlink implementation in Sri Lanka

Published

16 hours ago

May 19, 2024

editor

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has met with billionaire and investor Elon Musk on the sidelines of the 10th World Water Forum High-Level Meeting being held in Indonesia.

During the meeting, Wickremesinghe and Musk discussed the implementation of ‘Starlink’ in Sri Lanka.

It was emphasized that Sri Lanka is committed to expediting the application process to connect the country to the global Starlink network, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).

Minister Jeevan Thondaman, accompanying the President on his two-day visit to Indonesia, tweeted: “President and Elon discussed Sri Lanka’s recovery, economic potential, and new opportunities for investment. Great to have two visionary leaders come together for Sri Lanka.”

Elon Musk arrived in Indonesia’s resort island of Bali on Sunday to launch Starlink satellite internet service in the world’s largest archipelago nation.

The billionaire head of Tesla and SpaceX, and owner of social platform X, arrived by private jet on the idyllic “island of the gods,” renowned for its tropical beaches, terraced rice paddies, mystical temples, and colorful spiritual offerings.

Musk is slated to launch the service alongside Indonesian President Joko Widodo in a ceremony later Sunday at a public health clinic in Denpasar, the provincial capital of Bali.

Musk will also sign an agreement to enhance connectivity in the country’s health and education sectors.

During his first in-person visit to Bali, Musk is also scheduled to participate in the 10th World Water Forum, which seeks to address global water and sanitation challenges.

–With agencies inputs

News

Senior diplomat to oversee Sri Lankan embassy in Russia

Published

1 day ago

May 19, 2024

nipuni

It is reported that the government has planned to send a senior officer of the foreign service to the Sri Lankan embassy in Russia until a new ambassador is appointed due to the lack of an ambassador.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Taraka Balasuriya has told the media that the absence of an ambassador is just a gap in the work procedure, and based on the current situation in Russia, a senior official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be directed to supervise its affairs.

He emphasized that a retired foreign service senior is being sent and the lack of an ambassador is not a major problem.

The Minister further stated that there is already a senior Foreign Service officer there, and given the urgent need, a very senior Foreign Service officer is being sent not because the officer currently in Russia is inadequate.

Mr. Balasuriya has stressed that this is being done to strengthen the operation and that the work will be done according to the normal protocol.

However, even though an ambassador has been appointed to Russia, Mr. Balasuriya has made arrangements not to reveal who it is to the media.

The former Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Russian Federation, Prof. Janitha A. Liyanage, was given three extensions, and she ended her service at the Sri Lankan Embassy in Moscow on April 29.

At present, Counsellor Ruvini K. Munidasa serves as the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy.