MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN
In the last four years I have been observing the great services rendered by the team in the Engineering Students’ Publication Society
in bringing updates of all the events associated with the Faculty. Particularly the service of the Gauge electronic magazine and the
associated Facebook page that keep our alumni in far corners of the world and Faculty close through timely reporting and sharing
of news is commendable.
At a stage where the Faculty is on the path of improving its visibility in the industry and in the society through promotion of student
activities and research, the Gauge magazine with its associated reporting does a wonderful job in helping with this good cause.
Further, the Facebook page maintains a very good archive of memories associated with the Faculty & the students, and make it available to anyone who want follow the news and development of the Faculty.
The Gauge magazine, an initiative of ESPS, is a great opportunity for students to sharpen their skills in journalism & writing and also
in photography. I am sure that the tremendous enthusiasm of our students, and ESPS in particular, on bringing out Gauge, and to
improve the delivery, will continue to maintain high quality journalism and timely delivery of important news of the Faculty.
PROF. LEELANANDA RAJAPAKSHA
Dean, Faculty of Engineering
University of Peradeniya
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
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Prof. Upul B. Dissanayake, Vice Chancellor of University of Peradeniya for his support and encouragement.
Prof. Leelananda Rajapaksha, Dean, Faculty of Engineering and the patron of Engineering Students’ Publication Society for his
advices and support.
Dr. Manjula Sandirigama, Senior Treasurer and Staff advisor of ESPS for his commitment and support throughout this venture.
English Language Training Unit (ELTU) for support given in proof reading.
All the academic and non-academic staff members of the Faculty of Engineering.
President and office bearers of the Engineering Students’ Union and all the undergraduates who supported this venture in
numerous ways.
Nethwin Printers, Peradeniya for the quality work done in printing.
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COVER STORY: THE HIGH VOLTAGE LABORATORY
The history of the High Voltage Laboratory of Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering,
University of Peradeniya dates back to 1950. It was first established in the old department building (present power and
energy lab) and then moved to the current location. High Voltage Engineering was first taught by Prof.Jayasekara and
we are humbly proud to say that this very lab is the first of its kind in Sri Lanka. This is also the largest HV laboratory in
Sri Lanka in terms of voltage levels and sophisticated test equipment. It has the capability to generate a maximum voltage of 250kV (RMS) and a 400V peak of Impulse Voltage. The high voltage laboratory is well-equipped with the modern
test facilities purchased with the aid of foreign and local funding programs. These test facilities are now vitally used for
undergraduate and post-graduate research activities and laboratory experiments, for consultancy services for industry.
At present, the HV laboratory provides its service to companies including Ceylon Electricity Board, LTL Holdings, Noratel
International (Pvt) Ltd, Richardson Projects (Pvt) Ltd and Holcim Lanka Pvt Ltd ( Siam City Cement (Lanka) Ltd). Some of
the voltage tests performed by the laboratory include Dry/ wet power frequency withstand voltage test, Dry/wet power
frequency flash-over voltage test, Dry/ wet impulse withstand voltage test, Puncture withstands test and Energy meter
impulse withstand tests etc.. Composite Insulator Performance, Leakage Current Patterns on Insulators, Transformer
Condition Assessment, Power Transformer Insulation are some of the key research areas associated with the HV Laboratory
at present.
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Gauge Newsletter
University of Peradeniya