The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Ruhuna proudly celebrated a remarkable milestone with ReXtro 2025, the Silver Jubilee Exhibition held from 13th to 15th December 2025, marking 25 years of excellence in engineering education, research, and innovation since the faculty’s establishment in 1999. Over the three-day event, the faculty premises transformed into a vibrant “Engineering Village,” welcoming more than 30,000 visitors from across Sri Lanka.
The exhibition was ceremonially inaugurated with a grand opening ceremony attended by distinguished guests, academics, alumni, industry representatives, and students. The event was graced by the Honorable Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena, as the Chief Guest. The ceremony also featured the participation of the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ruhuna, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, and other distinguished invitees. A special highlight of the occasion was the launch of the Silver Jubilee commemorative postal stamp, symbolizing the faculty’s journey and achievements over the past 25 years.
ReXtro 2025 served as a dynamic platform that brought together students, academics, alumni, industry leaders, and the wider community. Visitors were given the opportunity to experience engineering innovation firsthand through interactive demonstrations, hands-on activities, and real-world technological solutions, showcasing how engineering continues to shape modern society.
The exhibition featured more than 40 thematic zones, each highlighting different areas of engineering and technological advancement. The Electrical and Computer Engineering exhibits showcased projects in artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, biomedical devices, and telecommunications. The Mechanical Engineering section presented innovations in sustainable energy, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), automotive technologies, and product design. Meanwhile, the Civil and Environmental Engineering zone focused on smart infrastructure, transportation systems, and environmental sustainability.
Visitors also explored specialized areas through unique exhibition spaces. The Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture zone demonstrated technologies related to shipbuilding and maritime engineering, while the Interdisciplinary Studies Zone highlighted how foundational principles in mathematics and science continue to influence modern engineering innovations.
Several special attractions added excitement to the exhibition. The Military and Defence Zone presented advanced defense technologies and engineering applications related to national security. The Drone Zone thrilled visitors with aerial demonstrations, drone stunts, and dynamic flight displays, offering a glimpse into the future of autonomous technologies. Another highlight was the display of the motor car “LEONA,” which showcased advancements in modern automotive engineering.
In addition to the technical exhibits, ReXtro 2025 provided a wide range of engagement and entertainment activities. Visitors enjoyed live performances, games, art displays, magic shows, and career mentorship sessions, making the exhibition both educational and enjoyable for people of all ages. Due to the overwhelming public response, visiting hours were extended to allow more visitors to explore the exhibits and participate in the activities.
The event also hosted a variety of competitions and knowledge-sharing programs, including Tech Talks, Pitch Arena, MathQuest, Rocket Fest, Xbotix, and the SLT Hackathon, along with workshops and guest lectures designed to inspire creativity, innovation, and critical thinking among students and participants.
The success of ReXtro 2025 was further strengthened by the support of over 60 industry partners, including organizations such as SLT-Mobitel, LTL Holdings, and Ceylon Steel Corporation. Their contributions reflected the strong collaboration between academia and industry, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in advancing engineering innovation and professional development.
More than just an exhibition, ReXtro 2025 became a nationally recognized celebration of engineering, inspiring innovation, collaboration, and creativity while strengthening the connection between the university and the community. As the Faculty of Engineering celebrates 25 years of progress, ReXtro stands as a testament to its achievements and a promising step toward shaping the next generation of engineers and technological advancements.
