About Me
Research and engineering efforts are focused on generative and interactive visual computing, uniting deep learning, computational imaging, and human-computer interaction. The work aims to create robust, real-time applications for human-AI collaboration and remote sensing, with a specialization in hardware-aware optimization for edge devices and bandwidth-constrained environments. Expertise is demonstrated through the development of systems for UAV-based disaster assessment, gaze-based semantic video communication, and efficient on-device facial analysis.
Research Interests
Publications & Preprints
Damage Assessment after Natural Disasters with UAVs
M. M. Viduranga, N. S. Hewawiththi, V. G. Warnasooriya, T. Fernando, et al.
Manuscript in preparation.
View on arXiv →Sum Rate Maximization in STAR-RIS Assisted Full-Duplex Communication Systems
P. P. Perera, V. G. Warnasooriya, D. Kudathanthirige, H. A. Suraweera.
IEEE International Conference on Communications (ICC), Seoul, South Korea, 2022.
View on IEEE Xplore →Experience
Research Projects
Semantic Feature Extraction for UAV-based Disaster Assessment (2024)
- Designed a task-agnostic semantic feature extractor for UAVs, achieving up to 92% reduction in transmitted data.
- Profiled system for real-time monitoring, demonstrating ~13x lower transmission latency and validating model feasibility (~70 GFLOPs) for onboard Jetson platforms.
Attention-based Semantic Communication for Video Conferencing (2022-2023)
- Developed a non-wearable, gaze-based attention system, achieving ~80% bandwidth savings through a novel semantic communication framework.
- Implemented a GAN-based (GFPGAN) reconstruction module to ensure high visual quality (SSIM 0.81).
Professional Roles
Electronic Engineer (R&D), Zone24x7 (Pvt.) Ltd.
Jul 2024 – Present
- Developing on-device computer vision modules (Apple AVFoundation) for real-time facial feature analysis.
- Designing interactive, guidance-based user feedback systems (HCI) driven by computer vision outputs.
Co-Founder & Lead Engineer, Resowave (Pvt.) Ltd.
Feb 2024 – Present
- Developing real-time visualization tools using Python and graphics libraries (e.g., OpenGL) for novel sensing technologies.
Electronic Engineer, Vega Innovations (Pvt.) Ltd.
Jan 2023 – Feb 2024
- Designed a lightweight anti-spoofing algorithm for facial recognition using RGB, Depth, and IR data.
- Engineered a LoRa-based smart farm sensor network with an LLM-based intelligent control system.
Education
B.Sc. Eng. in Electrical & Electronic Engineering
University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka (2018 – 2023)
- Second Class Honours (Upper Division), GPA: 3.35/4.00
- Secured rank of 141 among 32,075 candidates in GCE A-Level Physical Science stream (2017)
Selected Awards & Achievements
- First Place, Undergraduate Thesis Project Competition, IEEE SPS (2023)
- First Place, IEEE Innovation Nation Sri Lanka (INSL) Central Province (2023)
- Second Runners-Up, Hack:AI Competition (2022)
- Global Finalist, NASA EO Dashboard Hackathon (2021)
- 8th Place, International Rover Design Challenge, Mars Society (2021)
Hands-on Projects
ICU Ventilator Development
Contributed to the Human-Machine Interface (HMI) design and control system programming for a critical care ventilator.
High-Altitude Balloon (HAB)
Served as electronics lead and payload manager for the Serendib 1.0/2.0 projects with SEDS Sri Lanka.
Wireless Oximeter Design
Designed a compact and efficient wireless oximeter, a project recognized under an IEEE COVID-19 grant.
Crop Prediction Model
Developed a supervised machine learning model to predict crop yields based on historical weather data.
Technical Skills
Programming & ML
Python, C++, C, MATLAB, PyTorch, TensorFlow, OpenCV, CUDA, TensorRT
Hardware & Platforms
Jetson (Nano, Orin), Raspberry Pi, ESP32, STM32, Git, Docker, Conda
Design & Graphics
KiCAD, Altium, SolidWorks, OpenGL (Basics), Adobe Creative Suite
Languages
Sinhala (Native), English (Fluent)
Leadership & Service
Leadership Roles
- Chairperson, IEEE Student Branch, University of Peradeniya (2022–2023)
- Member, Advisory Board, SEDS Sri Lanka (2021–Present)
- Mathematics Tutor and Student Mentor, Sasnaka Sansada (2019-2021)
Interests & Activities
- Creative Production: Producer of an upcoming TV series ("Last Man") and Creative Producer for IEEE Sri Lanka Section Congress.
- Aerial Cinematography: Licensed drone pilot specializing in capturing dynamic aerial footage.
- Photography: Active photographer with several national and international awards.
- Amateur Radio: General Class operator with call sign 4S6VNO.