A group of five students from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura—N. S. A. Jayawardhana, Mr. C. G. Kumaragamage, R. N. M. Rathnaweera, M. A. K. J. Madurasinghe, and G. P. R. T. Gunarathna—participated in Gravitas 2025, the annual Techno-Management Fest organized by Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), India. Held from September 26th to 28th, 2025, the event attracted students, innovators, and technology enthusiasts globally, serving as a dynamic platform to explore emerging trends in science, engineering, and management through exhibitions, workshops, and cultural showcases.
The team arrived in Chennai on September 25th and traveled to the VIT campus in Vellore. The festival commenced on September 26th with a formal inauguration ceremony, where the students participated wearing traditional attire. Throughout the day, they engaged in various activities, including exhibitions on robotics and future technologies and the interactive team challenge “Hack and Seek,” fostering collaboration among international participants. They also gained hands-on experience in astronomy during a workshop focused on telescope handling and celestial observation.
On September 27th, the students took part in “Flavors without Borders,” a cake decoration event promoting cross-cultural creativity, and attended the Splendor Talent Show featuring performances by VIT students and guest artists. A highlight of the day was an interview conducted by CNN News 18 with one of the students, sharing insights on their Gravitas 2025 experience. The day concluded with a spectacular drone show involving 175 drones, showcasing the fusion of technology and artistic expression.
The final day, September 28th, featured a lens creation workshop where the students explored the fundamentals of optical technology. The festival ended with the official closing ceremony, marking the conclusion of a successful and enriching experience. This international engagement offered the participants valuable exposure to cutting-edge technological developments, cross-cultural collaboration, and practical learning beyond the classroom. Their involvement underscores the University of Sri Jayewardenepura’s commitment to fostering global connections and enhancing student development through international academic platforms.