Vanodhya Warnasooriya

Vanodhya Warnasooriya

Electronic Engineer - R&D

Passionate about advancing knowledge through innovation and research in computer vision, HCI, and embedded systems.

Profile

Electrical and Electronic Engineering graduate with a strong academic foundation in Embedded Systems, Communication Systems, and Machine Learning. Passionate about advancing knowledge through innovation and research, with a proven track record of leadership, teamwork, and excellent communication abilities. Skilled at contributing to multidisciplinary research teams.

Research Interests

Computer Vision and Graphics Audio Engineering and Acoustics Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) Embedded Systems and Machine Learning

Education

B.Sc. Engineering in Electrical and Electronic Engineering

University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

2018 – 2023

GPA: 3.35/4.00, Second Class Honours (Upper Division)

GCE Advanced & Ordinary Levels

Maliyadeva College, Kurunegala, Sri Lanka

2010 – 2017

  • GCE Advanced Level Examination: 3 A’s, z-score: 2.2366, Island Rank: 141, District Rank (Kurunegala): 10
  • GCE Ordinary Level Examination: 9 A’s

Publications

Research Experience

Damage Assessment after Natural Disasters with UAVs: Semantic Feature Extraction using Deep Learning

2024

Proposes a novel semantic extractor for identifying critical data in real-time onboard UAVs, reducing data transmission. Techniques included Semantic Segmentation, Deep Learning, and Visual Question Answering.

Supervisors: Dr. Tharindu Fernando, Dr. Himal A. Suraweera, Prof. Sridha Sridharan, Prof. Clinton Fookes.

Identification of Attention Level by Gaze Recognition Using a Semantic Communication System

2023

Improved video conferencing by using gaze estimation to calculate attention scores and applying semantic communication with GANs to reduce bandwidth by 80%.

Supervisors: Dr. Himal A. Suraweera, Prof. Maheshi B. Dissanayake.

Sum Rate Maximization in STAR-RIS Assisted Full-Duplex Communication Systems

2022

Investigated sum rate performance by optimizing reflection/transmission coefficients. Proposed low-complexity solutions using successive convex approximation. Techniques included RIS, Full-Duplex Communication, and Convex Optimization.

Supervisors: Dr. Himal A. Suraweera, Dr. Dhanushka Kudathanthirige.

Professional Experience

Co-Founder & Lead Engineer

Resowave (Pvt.) Ltd. [Full-time]

Feb 2025 – Present

Co-founded a startup delivering electromagnetic technology services for industrial and research applications.

Electronic Engineer

Vega Innovations (Pvt.) Ltd. [Full-time]

Jan 2024 – Jan 2025

  • Developed an anomaly detection model for a facial recognition system using Depth and IR cameras.
  • Configured RFID antenna systems for electronic toll counter lanes on Sri Lankan highways.
  • Designed a LoRa-based smart farm sensor network with intelligent control leveraging large language models.
  • Developed a PV harvest monitoring tool for Vega ETX, Sri Lanka’s first electric three-wheeler, as an IoT solution.
  • Designed the communication module for a home automation system using the Openthread protocol.
  • Contributed to the calibration process of UFill, Sri Lanka's first liquid vending machine.

Research Associate (Audio-Visual)

GCRF One Health Poultry Hub [On Contract]

Jan 2024 – Mar 2024

Analyzed audio and video content related to poultry and created a video output as requested by the project team.

Trainee Associate Electronics Engineer

Zone24x7 (Pvt.) Ltd. [Internship]

Jan 2022 – May 2022

  • Participated in a network Quality of Service (QoS) monitoring project.
  • Created a testing and monitoring framework using eBPF Technology.

Awards & Achievements

Projects

Smart Garbage Disposal System

2023

Developed a prototype for a smart garbage disposal system that incentivizes users with rewards for proper garbage disposal.

Sendie - Communication Device

2022

Designed a half-duplex communication system using the ESP-NOW wireless protocol for the Electronic Product Design module.

Crop Prediction Model using Weather Data

2021

Developed a supervised machine learning model for predicting crop yields based on weather data.

Supervisors: Dr. Tharindu Weerakoon, Dr. Nalin Harischandra, Dr. Lasanthika Dissawa.

Development of an ICU Ventilator

2021

Contributed to the Human-Machine Interface (HMI) design and programmed the control system for an ICU ventilator.

Supervisors: Prof. Lilantha Samaranayake, Dr. Nalin Harischandra, Dr. Tharindu Weerakoon.

Design of a Wireless Oximeter

2021

Designed a compact and efficient wireless oximeter, recognized under the IEEE Covid Project Grant.

High-Altitude Balloon Project (Serendib 1.0 and 2.0)

2020-2021

Served as the electronic design team lead, payload manager, and ground station control lead (SEDS Sri Lanka).

Technical Skills

Programming Languages

Python, C, C++, MATLAB, HTML/CSS/Js

Hardware Platforms

Jetson Nano/Orin, Raspberry Pi, TI-C2000, ESP32, STM32, Arduino

Design Tools

KiCAD, Altium, SolidWorks, Adobe Creative Suite

Leadership & Activities

Leadership Roles

Extracurricular Activities

  • Producer of the upcoming TV series titled "Last Man"
  • Drone Pilot specializing in Aerial Cinematography
  • Active Photographer with National and International Awards
  • Amateur Radio Operator, General Class, Call Sign: 4S6VNO
  • Tabla Player in University Music Group

Voluntary Work