Can you remember, how people interrogated you about your future ambition, starting from the pre-school? During different eras of my childhood and youth, I wanted to become a lawyer, an astrophysicist, an author, an actress and even the President of Sri Lanka! But I never wanted to become an engineer. Throughout my childhood, I was fascinated by arts and literature, definitely more than by mathematics and physics. However, I decided to choose the Physical Science stream for the advanced level examination, due to unavoidable circumstances, although my heart was never in love with Engineering. Miraculously, my heart took a huge leap in to falling in love with the beauty of mathematics, physics and chemistry. Thus, I managed to obtain fairly good results in the Advanced Level Examination, which opened doors to Engineering. Nevertheless, I still did not want to become an engineer and wanted to study Physics and Chemistry. At that time, my father somehow convinced me that University of Moratuwa is the best university for me to strengthen my future, regardless of the direction I choose for my career. Though he is working in a different field now, he always had an immense gratitude towards University of Moratuwa, since the knowledge and exposure he gained there has been a blessing for him to successfully execute his duties as a member of the parliament.

I first heard about Prof. Lucas from my father. Whenever he tried to convince me of the grandeur of University of Moratuwa, I had to hear about Prof. Lucas. That alone explains the significance of the role Prof. Lucas played in the success story of our university. Before entering the university, even some of my friends wanted to become an undergraduate of University of Moratuwa, simply because "the best professor for Electrical Engineering" is there. Upon learning about the academic qualifications of Prof. Lucas and his prominent contributions towards the academia and the Electrical Engineering industry, it was proved to me that all the praise I heard of him are not exaggerations.

I can remember receiving a printed lecture note which was prepared by Prof. Lucas, during the "Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering" lecture of the first semester. Although he was not the lecturer who conducted the course, it certainly supported me and many other students to comfortably grasp the basic principles in Electrical Engineering. After the first semester examination, I selected Electrical Engineering because of the good impression developed from the "Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering" module of the first semester. For that, I want to pay my gratitude to the lecturers who conducted that course module, including Ms. Janaki Premarathne, Prof. Sisil Kumarawadu and Dr.W.D. Prasad. There was only one module from our department in the second semester, “Theory of Electricity”. I was fortunate to learn that module from Prof. Lucas. Right from the first lecture, he displayed his amicable and humble qualities. He paid attention to every single student and ensured that we gain the maximum benefit from the lecture. The lecture notes were amazingly well structured and were very informative. Those notes encouraged me to self-study the module more thoroughly, since the duration of the lecture was not sufficient to dig deep in to details. Moreover, the lectures conducted by Prof. Lucas were of great guidance and assistance for us to excel in the learning outcomes of the module. Another importance of this lecture series was the in-class tests and the tutorial classes. Prof. Lucas could have merely conduct in-class tests to fulfill the requirement of Continuous Assessment. Nevertheless, he manifested his immense effort and care towards the students by personally conducting tutorial classes, upon the completion of each unit of the module. These classes constructed a productive platform to strengthen the bond between him and students, on top of being a huge catalyst for the academic performance of the students.

What I adore and respect most about Prof. Lucas is his amicable and humble nature. With his prestigious background, he could have been a lecturer who delivers the lecture during two hours and disappear. But he never was that type of a lecturer. My father respects Prof. Lucas immensely because he was very supportive and kind towards students who have stemmed from rural backgrounds, despite his own upbringing in an elite social background. In fact, professor's lecture was the only lecture he gladly attended! I also could witness this fact personally. Prof. Lucas was never cold towards students, he never discriminated students based on their upbringing or language proficiency. He always extended his warm hand in support of the students, who were in need. He was a very socially active character. Despite his hectic schedule, he managed to participate in our events, even presentations and debates. In my opinion, he could not portray the role of a university professor better.

Even after years from his official retirement, he sacrificed his precious time and effort for students of my university. For students like me, who was not deeply in love with engineering, Prof. Lucas was a great encouragement, to grasp the beauty of engineering. Dear Sir, the legacy of Department of Electrical Engineering will never be the same without you. I know these words cannot serve justice to your significant service of more than half a century. However, it was a great pleasure for me to share my thoughts as a student of yours. I wish you a healthy and a prosperous life ahead!

Ama Mandasmitha Ranawaka, [UoM 2016 Intake, Semester 6 EE student 2019]

From: "Tharaka Siyambalapitiya"
Date: Wed, March 11, 2020, 14:38

It was indeed a pleasure to be have taught by such a wonderful personality. Though our batch ('16 batch) did not get a chance to learn by you a lot, during our small time with you, we surely learnt the module you taught with great enthusiasm.

Your methods of teaching and assessing were really helpful for us, and it really made us feel confident about the exams.

We have heard many pleasant things from the senior batches and surely you have been a favourite lecturer of many students.

I wish you all the very best and a blessed life ahead.

Tharaka Siyambalapitiya, [UoM 2016 Intake, Semester 7 EE student 2020]

From: "Lahiru Sudharaka"
Date: Sat, March 14, 2020 1216PM

This is to give my heartfelt gratitude to our loving professor, Rohan Lucas, on celebrating the golden jubilee of teaching at UoM. Not only you are a wonderful lecturer, but also you are a wonderful role model for all your students. The humble and friendly personality, dedication and commitment towards lecturing and making the lectures more interesting have been a great inspiration to all of us to enhance our lives and become a better citizen to the country. For all the late nights, early mornings and weekends spent grading and preparing for lectures – we thank you for caring so much about your loving students. There are not enough words to thank you for all you’ve done! We are very proud and lucky to be your students too.

I wish you a long life filled with happiness, joy, health and prosperity. May triple gem bless you! ❤❤❤

Lahiru Sudharaka Perera, [UoM EE Semester 7 Student 2020]

From: "Sasindu Randika Tennakoon"
Date: Mon, Aug 2, 2021 10:50PM

When it comes to electrical engineering, the name Professor Rohan Lucas emerges as one of the greatest pillars who has contributed a lot in the field as well as in the education of electrical engineering. It was a great privilege to be not only a student of yours but to have you as one of the supervisors of my final year project.

I cannot thank you enough for the immense support you gave us throughout our final year project, ‘Analysis of Corona Characteristics in HVAC and HVDC’. If not for you, it would have been much difficult for us to come with the solutions for the problems we faced. You sacrificed your valuable time to guide us in the correct path. For that, I am forever grateful.

I was fortunate enough to learn the ‘Theory of Electricity’ and ‘High Voltage Engineering’ from you. The way you taught us those subjects really inspired me to learn them with a great enthusiasm and prepare for the exams with confidence. Specially the course notes prepared by you are impressive and the explanations in those notes are very clear and understandable. I thank you for being such a wonderful teacher for us.

You are one of the friendly lecturers I have met in my life. I really admire how you support and guide your students. I recall memories from EESoc get-together events, where you participated in each event with us. It proved that you are a humble character. The picture shows Prof. Lucas seated with me and my friends at an EESoc get-together during our first year.

Thank you so much for the guidance and support you gave us throughout the 4 years and for the final year project.

I wish you all the very best and a blessed life ahead to guide more students like us! May the triple gem bless you!

Sasindu Randika Thennakoon , [UoM, 2016 intake, Semester 8, EE FYP 2020/21]

From: "Ruwansi Jayaweera"
Date: Sun, August 22, 2021 10:18 PM

First of all, with great honor, I would mention that we were fortunate enough to get included in your last batch of students at the University of Moratuwa. Dear sir, you have an extraordinary personality which has motivated us to achieve anything throughout the years passed by. There is no doubt that your outstanding journey has kept and will always keep us inspired. And we are always grateful for your tremendous and prominent service to our country, which is remarkable.

My first encounter with Prof. Lucas was during our first semester at the University of Moratuwa in 2016. Even though he was recognized as a highly admired lecturer at the university, he never kept a distance from students; he treated us like friends and always was there on behalf of the students. He was humble, down to earth, and never rejected or missed a single department event that we organized.

The picture shows you taking a selfie with me and my friends during an EESoc event in 2017. From left to right are Prof Lucas, Asini, myself, Surindi, Nayanathara, Supun, Sandali and Senali during our second year.

Amidst all, I consider myself lucky to have you as our final year project supervisor. From the very first day, you guided us on how to prepare for the research. I still recall how you instructed us to prepare a diary to track updates of our findings every week, and truly it was a huge support at the end when we started drafting the final year report. Due to the pandemic situation, we were unable to keep in touch, however, you constantly gave supervision and guidance throughout the project and that should be mentioned with the utmost respect. Not only in technical challenges we faced, but also in finalizing the presentations, and even for the research paper, you helped us to a great extent.

During my university years, if there exists one thing that I am most proud of, that is being privileged to learn the first and foremost of Electrical Engineering under your guidance.Let me finish with a picture our batch took with Prof Rohan Lucas, immediately after his final lecture to us in Semester 7 on 13th March 2021 when he celebrated 50 years of teaching at the University of Moratuwa (I am standing rightmost in this picture).

We were truly blessed to have you in our university journey as a great lecturer and I wish nothing but all the very best, good health, and success to our dearest sir! Sir, you are genuinely inspiring and I really can say that being supervised by you was one of the best things that happened to me in my undergraduate life. Your words have always motivated me. Hope you will have a great and healthy life and stay safe!

Jayaweera Ruwansi Kaldasani , [UoM 2016 Intake Semester 8 EE student 2020/21, FYP Student]

From: "Kalpa Pathum Kahingala"
Date: Sun, , August 29, 2021 2:24PM

I’m very happy and honored to take this valuable chance to recall and share the best memories which I had with our dear sir, Prof. Lucas.

After the semester 1 examination, I chose the Department of Electrical Engineering, and then I met Prof. Lucas as our Theory of Electricity module lecturer. I was fortunate enough to learn that module from Prof. Lucas.  You taught the module in a very interesting and interactive way so that it encouraged me to self-study the electrical engineering field as well. You are a very respectful, humble, talented, and friendly lecturer I have met. I can remember how you participated in each, and every extracurricular activity and events organized by the Department of Electrical Engineering.

As a Student, I got an opportunity to participate to the felicitation ceremony for the 50^th Anniversary of Prof. Lucas, and then I got to know more about our sir and met past students of Prof. Lucas as well. The picture on the right shows me and my batchmates with Prof. Lucas just after the ceremony.

Prof. Lucas is a person who has rendered an enormous service to the electrical engineering arena and to the country as a whole. Words cannot thank for that service.

Prof. Lucas served as the project supervisor for our final year project, 'Influence of Water and Powder Contaminants on Dielectric Strength of Transformer Oil', and I believe it’s my fortune to be selected as your student. Without the immense support, guidance and advise you gave, we would never complete our project successfully. You gave us very valuable advice to our problems, even though our questions are sometimes very silly. Thank you very much sir for your great support and guidance.

You are an amazing person, and I want you to know you made a meaningful impact on our lives. I wish you a happy and healthy future.

Warmest Regards,

Kalpa Pethum Kahingala , [UoM EE 2016 batch/ FYP Student 2020-2021]

From: "Lakshika Karunaratne"
Date: Thu, September 9, 2021 3:04PM

It is a great honor to share my memories of Prof. Lucas, a giant in the field of Electrical Engineering. I got the opportunity to be your student from the early days in the department, starting from the module “Theory of Electricity” and several other modules in my university life. Your wisdom and the experience in the subject are undoubtedly the best and the most astounding. I believe the way you approach the lessons, the teaching style and the disciplined environment maintained in the classroom are the qualities of you to be an exceptional teacher. You always inspired and guided us to bring about the best of the best.

I was so lucky to have you as the one of project supervisors for our project, ‘Influence of Water and Powder contaminant on Dielectric Strength of Transformer oil’. Though, we were unable to meet you in the university in our final year, you always motivated and helped us with your feedback at every moment we needed your support. It was your humbleness that made us to seek advice from you with no hesitation. Without your guidance we would never be able to complete our project successfully.

Finally, I wish you to have a good health and great happiness in your life.

Lakshika Karunaratne, [UoM EE 2016 Intake, FYP student 2020–2021]

From: "Sulekha Madhushan"
Date: Wed, September 15, 2021 3:09 PM

It’s a great honor to have an opportunity to write something about an outstanding personality who has also been a great influence on me. I take this moment to show my gratitude to Professor Lucas, as a student and as an Engineer. Professor Lucas has officially retired from University of Moratuwa, but he took his time to dedicate for us, to teach us. His lectures were always filled with enthusiasm. In each one of them, he explained theories by giving creative & practical examples related to our lives. They gave us a good visual of the theory and they made complex lessons more pleasing and understandable to everyone. His experience and knowledge about electrical engineering is unparalleled. He is truly a remarkable electrical engineer. I’m happy that I got a chance to learn from an inspiring personality like him.

The first subject he taught us was Theory of Electricity in semester 2. It was the base subject of electrical engineering. The knowledge and the practicality he imparted on us, through that subject, enhanced us as electrical engineering students.

Professor Lucas taught several generations of electrical engineers in his career of 50 plus years and his name is popular all around the country. While training, I got to meet well established engineers who reached their present state through his guidance. I have also heard of engineers who are in the field for 20 or 30 years still referring to his lecture notes. That’s the kind of a legend he is. He was known throughout the department for his punctuality, and we experienced it firsthand as students. He entered for our lectures on time and sometimes even earlier, and he always had a pleasant smile on his face. Even though he was a very punctual person, he tolerated late comers and pushed them to be on time. Professor Lucas had a huge passion for his field. His love for the subject radiated through him and we absorbed that passion. In other words, we can say that he made us passionate engineers. He kept the competitiveness inside the lecture room, and his keen and charismatic personality made students listen to him more and follow him.

I think Professor Lucas is one of the most active lecturers I have met during my time in the university. He was always walking inside the class questioning us about subject matter. He sometimes even made jokes to keep our undivided attention to his point. He also tried to intensify our logical thinking capabilities by regularly questioning our common sense on engineering.

He had excellent communication skills, he was a proficient lecturer and he always kept himself updated with new changes in the technology. It was a well-known fact, to every undergraduate, that Professor Lucas was an active participant in all the curricular and extra-curricular activities held in the University.

I was lucky enough to work with Professor Lucas in my final year undergraduate group project namely “Influence of water and powder contaminants on the dielectric strength of transformer oil”. Even though he couldn’t physically attend to our work, his instructions gave us a clear understanding of the project scope. Also, we gained most of the theoretical knowledge we needed to implement our project through his book.

I recently entered the field of engineering as an electrical project engineer. My only dream is to amplify my knowledge and become the best power engineer I can possibly become. I wouldn’t have been this passionate about power engineering in the first place if not for personalities like Professor Lucas.

Dear Sir, the knowledge and dreams you passed on created, and will create, a generation of splendid engineers. It was truly a wonderful experience to get to learn from a lecturer like you. I would like to pray for you to have a healthy and happy life. Thank you again for everything you have done for us.

Sulekha Madhushan Abeyrathna , [UOM EE 2016 batch/FYP Student 2020-2021]

From: "Kithma Vidanapathirana"
Date: Mon, August 12, 2019 11:57 PM

It is a great honour to me to share my memories of Prof. Lucas. I got to know about Prof. Lucas a long time before I entered the university. Sir has taught my father and my brother when they were at the University of Moratuwa. First I got to know about Sir during my childhood from my father, as one of his favorite lecturers in his university life. And, we met at CEBEU Annual Dinners in many years and every time my father used to introduce me to you. Sir, your memories are always bound together with my father's memories.

Sir has taught me Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering, Theory of Electricity and High Voltage Engineering in 3 semesters. Other than the subject knowledge. I have learned a lot more things from you. Sir, you are the most humble lecturer I have met in my university life. I am privileged to be one of your students.

Sir, I wish you a long healthy life ahead and may you have the ability to teach many generations to come. May triple gem bless you!

Thank you.

 

Kithma Vidanapathirana , [KDU Intake 34, Semester 6 EE student 2019]

 From: "Anuji Withana"
Date: Mon, August 12, 2019 6:34 PM

It's not been very long since I've come to know Professor Rohan Lucas. He has been my lecturer for Theory of Electricity and High Voltage Engineering for three semesters at the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University. It's been a great study time with him and honestly one of the most humble lecturers I’ve ever met. He knows his students very well, and unlike any other has a good rapport with his students in class or in the field. Professor Lucas has a good understanding of how the little engineering stuff can be projected in the most practical ways to his students - that makes it all easy to grab. His expertise and experience in the field of engineering undoubtedly, has made him one of the most successful lecturers I’ve come across in my life.

Thank you so much sir. This thank you is for the generations that you nurtured and for all generations yet to come! May the triple gem bless you!

Updated:- March 15, 2020 6:02PM

So happy for your 50 years of teaching Sir! Congratulations! Seeing all the felicitation for this long journey, I am so damn proud to be one of your students. A half century of students mean an entire industry with your brilliance and widespread roots.

So lucky to have you as my project supervisor, what more can we expect than having the supreme of all, its motivation to make the impossible happen!

So proud of you sir and all my heartiest wishes!

Updated:- July 9, 2021 7:57PM

After a four year journey at the university, having to spend my final year under your guidance has been a precious and honorable opportunity for a lifetime. Amidst the pandemic, as we struggled through the hardships, you always had our back as the most supportive supervisor we’d ever have and anyone can ever have!

All in all, after four undergraduate years, it was three subjects and a research project we had officially with you. Sir, but you have always been a real star, giving guidance, and my biggest inspiration all throughout my undergraduate journey and indeed to emerge with a First Class Degree in a field I love! And I will forever remain grateful just the same!

Thank you so much Sir for being the wonderful human you always are! Thank you so much for being my real inspiration!

Anuji Withana, [KDU Intake 34, Semester 6 EE student 2019]

From: "Venuri Lakna"
Date: Thu, August 22, 2019 7:42 PM

Thank you sir for giving this opportunity to share, my memories of you, as a University undergraduate in Electrical Engineering at the KDU.

I met Professor Lucas for the first time in his lecture on Theory of Electricity in the first semester. When I entered the lecture hall, I saw a senior professor with a simple shirt and trouser, standing in front of the audience with a gentle smile. Before we got to know him, we were scared whether it will be a tough lecture, but surprisingly he conducted his lectures very interestingly and in a friendly manner with his excellent teaching tactics. Marker pens, dusters, rulers and books were his regular demonstration items.

I was wondering whether was it possible for a professor to be this much friendly with students. He had a better understanding about the mentality of student's and was able to interact with students very well.

He is a good teacher who is well prepared for his lectures. Also, he is well organized and methodical. He is humble enough to talk with anyone regardless of the profession. He is the most humble personality I have ever met in my lifetime. Any student could talk with him and clarify subject matters. Starting with Theory of Electricity, up to High Voltage Engineering, we were able to gain lot of knowledge through his commitment.

Thank you very much Sir for everything you have done for us. Your great service may be required further for the future electrical engineering students too.

Venuri Lakna Gunarathne , [KDU intake 34, Semester 6 EE student 2019]

From: "Hashini Amarasuriya"
Date: Sun, September 29, 2019 6:54PM

I met Lucas sir in my first semester at KDU in 2016. At first sight, I was very scared to be in his lecture because he looked like a very strict senior professor. But he was not like that. I always sat in the first two rows, but I thought of going back because he asks questions from the students. Later on I found out that he doesn't ask serious theory stuff to embarass students. Instead he asks simple questions to explain deep theory stuff. I remember how he took me and my two friends and asked about how our mothers' cook, to explain that there is a difference in their styles. He cracks jokes and interacts with us to make us concentrate on his lecture. He is the best ever lecturer whom I found who is really friendly with his students. I really appreciate that quality of our beloved sir. Normally we don't expect a senior professor to be that much friendly. I am very lucky to be a student of a professor like him and it is a great previledge.

Thank you very much sir. I wish you a healthy life and may you live long.

Hashini Amarasuriya, [KDU Intake 34, Semeseter 6 EE student 2019]

From: "Sharadha Samarakoon"
Date: Mon, November 4, 2019 09:30 AM

Thanks a lot for giving me a chance to write up my memory about u sir😊!

Though I had heard a lot about Senior Professor Rohan Lucas from my senior friends at the university, the first time I met sir was in my first semester class of "Electrical Engineering”. That time I had no idea how sir would be. What I thought was that he would probably be, like a typical very tough professor, like most of senior professors that I’ve usually heard about. But it didn’t take days for that idea to change .Yes !

He was kinda tough, but only for the ones who deserved it . That subject “Electrical Engineering” gradually turned to be my favourite subject, as well Prof Lucas became the best lecturer. His flow of teaching was very unique. His sessions were not like typical lectures at the University, that he always used to interact with the students so often while he was lecturing .

Some thing that I specially noticed in his lectures was that if we could concentrate really well on his lectures, he touches every corner of the note with quite a lot of examples .Every theory was very well explained. His past paper Q&A always guided us for better marks at the examination. He also used to give assignments based on every lesson that he finished and that really helped us to understand the difficult topics in the subject. He made us never wait till the day before the exam, because we had to study for the assignments at the end of each completed topic. Not only as a mentor, but also whenever we needed guidance for anything else too, he never forgot to lend a kind hand.

After the first semester “Electrical Engineering” then again I got the opportunity to learn from Lucas sir in the second semester “Theory of Electricity” and also in the fifth semester “High Voltage Engineering”. I was really glad to be a student of him. I got that proud opportunity to be called one of his students .

It was indeed an honour for me to get to know this great personality. I wish many students to get that valuable chance to be his students and may u live healthier and long sir😊!

Sharadha Samarakoon, [KDU Intake 34, Semester 6 EE student 2019]

From: "Indu Senarathne"
Date: Sat, February 1, 2020 2:31 PM

Little did I know back in 2017 walking into a class named ‘theory of electricity’ that I’d meet the one of the kindest, brilliant and the coolest humans I’ll ever have the privilege of meeting. Being the introvert I am I always opted the corner seat in this well renowned professor’s class and kept my head down but seldom missed a class. One morning, my very first days at KDU, me and my friend Avishi were waiting for the elevator at the ground floor of faculty building (we were not allowed to use the elevator at that time) and he walked in just before the doors opened. We both were terrified to death and we stepped back thinking of taking the next turn. But when the elevator doors did open, he stepped in and to our utter amazement smiled at us and invited us both in. it’s little things like this that make this giant personality even greater.

And Three years flew away just like that; but things like Prof Lucas saying “let me explain in a slightly different way” and choosing a simple example before trying to explain big theories which often left me thinking “how on this earth does this man know we buggers wouldn’t understand a thing if he explained the theory right away”. His cheeky grin and ability at never failing to crack a joke never changed throughout these years. He never misses a chance to talk to his students, answer their questions and help them in any way he could, sometimes as a lecturer, sometimes even as a friend. Him talking and laughing along with his students has become a very familiar scene in the university. That’s the reason why every now and then we look at him and think “oh man, I want to be like him one day”

His brilliance and expertise in the field of high voltage and electricity is awe worthy. I’m grateful that I got an opportunity to learn from this giant legend (so did my dad back in UoM). Now he has started supervising our final year project and keeps telling me I need to take things less serious. I’m looking forward for many more moments along the memory lane.

May the triple gem bless you sir and keep you healthy to enlighten generations to come with your brilliance and goofy sense of humor.

Indumini Senarathne , [KDU Intake 34, Semester 7 EE FYP student 2020]

From: " Dineshi Marasinghe"
Date: Mon, February 24, 2020 9:45 PM

I’m so happy to be one of the students who had the opportunity to be guided by Prof. Lucas who is the most senior, the generous and kind hearted lecturer at KDU. I met Prof. Lucas during my freshman year at KDU when learning Theory of Electricity. Me and my friends were a bit anxious when we got to know that Prof. Lucas would be our lecturer for that subject. But when we met him in person, we experienced what a humble human being he is. The most admirable traits I see in our dear Professor is being punctual and organized. To this day I can’t remember a day he wasn’t on time or not well prepared for the lecture.

During my 3rd year at the KDU, I again was lucky to learn the subject of High Voltage by Prof. Lucas. For him it is not about just teaching the subject matter, he is very concerned about giving practical knowledge as well to the students. I remember he inquiring about the students who get low marks for his subjects and helping those students whenever he could.

Finally I’m very fortunate to have Prof. Lucas as my final year project supervisor. Every week he is keen to ask about our progress and give valuable advice on how we can improve. He’s the best lecturer and the most supportive supervisor I have ever met.

I wish him good health and strength to enlighten more and more students in the coming years.

Dineshi Marasinghe, [KDU Intake 34, Semester 7 EE FYP student 2020]

From: "Eshani Liyanage"
Date: Tue, March 10, 2020 8:11 AM

If someone asks me who Prof. Lucas is, I will introduce him in this way. He is definitely not that ordinary boring kind of a professor, that you imagine when you hear the words ‘Senior Lecturer’ or ‘Senior Professor’. He is the coolest professor you are ever going to meet. To be honest, I didn’t know him very well until I had the privilege to have Prof. Lucas as my Final Year Research Project Supervisor.

I first saw him in the first week of my first year as our Theory of Electricity lecturer. I still remember I was in a back row and didn’t even see him properly that day. My first memories go to the day in the second semester that I gave my contribution to write an extra paper of an assignment with four other colleagues for a sick friend who was absent for the mandatory Inclass Test series of Professor Lucas. So yeah long story short, we were caught somehow and met him to apologize with shivering legs after the lecture. Even though, we have done an unjustifiable fault, he listened to our confession carefully, he understood the situation and forgave us with a pleasant smile (no motivation for anyone because we were just lucky to survive on that day).

I should say this, when I got to know him well, he always reminds me of Professor Slughorn from Harry Potter, just because how friendly and helpful he is with his students.

So that’s him. The Legendary Professor who always has a joke at the end of his tongue to refresh us with his strange sense of humor. I always believe, not every teacher deserves to be called one. That title is reserved for great ones like you, who dedicate their whole life for the sake of their students. I am tremendously grateful to have met you since it is an incomparable opportunity an Electrical Engineering Undergraduate can ever get. Thank you sir.

May the noble triple gem bless you!

Eshani Liyanage, [KDU Intake 34, Semester 7 EE FYP student 2020]

From: "Ganesh Chand ( गणेश चन्द )"
Date: Tue, March 10, 2020 0100PM

It is my honour to be the student of Prof. Rohan Lucas. He taught me Theory of Electricity and High Voltage Engineering modules during first and fifth semester respectively.

He is one of the best and humble personality in the field of Electrical Engineering. His teaching style is very efficient and effective, which helps to grasp lecture easily. His way of teaching Electrical Engineering stuffs by comparing with real world practical examples is a magnificent quality which reduces the complexity. He is having a habit to leave no stone unturned for the betterment of his students. As a supervisor for my final year project, I got to be one of the lucky students to know him well.

During my internship period, I met some Electrical Engineers who were taught by Prof. Rohan lucas. They claimed the fact that there would be no High Voltage in Sri Lanka, had there been no wisdom of Lucas sir.

Thank you, sir for providing me this opportunity to share my memory with you. I wish you a happy and healthy life ahead.

Ganesh Chand ( गणेश चन्द), Officer Cadet, Nepal Army [KDU, Intake-34, Semester 7 EE FYP student 2020]

From: "Thirundi Dilshara Wijeerathne"
Date: Tue, March 10, 2020 0100PM

First of all, I would like to thank Prof. Lucas for giving me a chance to share my memories about you. The first time I met Prof. Lucas was in my first semester Fundamental of Electrical Engineering lecture in 2017, and I had no idea how sir would be. Then I met Lucas sir in another two semesters, as the lecturer of Theory of Electricity and High Voltage Engineering. It took a few days to understood that he is not tough as much as the other senior professors. In the real sense of the word he is the kindest and coolest lecturer that I have ever met.

In my final year of KDU I’m so greatly honored to having Prof. Lucas sir as my final year project supervisor. You always motivate us and supporting us on our project. You cheer and lead us to do more.

You are more than Just a Lecturer. There are not enough words to thank you for every single thing that you have done for us. I wish you all the best of luck for your future life and a wish you long healthy life.

May the triple gem bless you sir!

Thirundi Dilshara (Devindi) Wijeerathne, [KDU Intake 34, Semester 7 EE FYP Student 2020]

From: "Hisuri Dehiwatta"
Date: Tue, March 10, 2020 0100PM

I am so happy and honored to be one of the students of Prof. Lucas, who is a Senior Professor with an advance knowledge. On the first day of the Electrical Engineering lecture I was hesitating to learn from him while questioning myself, will I be able to understand what he’s teaching, will I be able to get through this module. But on the first day itself, I understood how easy to learn from him. His teaching skills were very simple. He always took day to day examples to explain scenarios, that actually helped us to understand theories so easily. Also he asked many questions from us, which helped to clear our doubts. He has also taught me Theory of Electricity and High Voltage. In my 4th year, I was a bit upset because the lectures conducted by him was over. But I was lucky enough to have Prof. Lucas as my Final year project supervisor.

Prof. Lucas is a simple and cheerful person. I still remember during one of our lectures in FDSS mini auditorium, you turned around on the stage and took a selfie with the entire class. Nowadays it’s rare to see such humble people with a vast knowledge. He always stays with a genuine smile which makes us to work with him more comfortably.

Prof. Lucas, sir thank you very much for the immense service you have done for everyone. I wish you all the very best with good health and happiness. May the triple gem bless you.

Hisuri Dehiwatta, [KDU Intake 34, Semester 7 EE FYP student 2020]

From: "Tashma Maduhasini "
Date: Sat, March 14, 2020 10:23 AM

It's a great honor to me for giving this opportunity to share my memories about you.

As a fresh undergraduate in KDU, I first met Prof. Lucas during “Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering” lecture of first semester. From the first module itself I was able to notice his excellent ability in teaching and also how humble this person is irrespective of all the status what he has had by that time. Currently, I am in my 7th semester as an electrical engineering undergraduate and I feel how fortunate I am to learn three modules from this great teacher, including High Voltage Engineering. His lecture notes are well structured including all the necessary facts and figures. I believe that there was no one in the classroom who could not understand the complex concepts that he explained so simply, using perfectly matching analogies.

One day, I went to meet Prof. Lucas since I wanted his recognition for my CV that was required for my upcoming industrial training. Other than just accepting to give his recognition for my CV, what he did was he guided me properly to make a good CV along with my qualifications. I never expected this giant personality to reserve his precious time for me like that. At that moment, I further realized how kind hearted, humble person he is.

The period of 6 months of industrial training at Ceylon Electricity Board and LTL Transformers (Pvt.) Ltd was my first training experience in the electrical engineering profession. Almost all of the electrical engineers and my colleagues I met at both the organizations were students of Prof. Lucas. And none of them forgot to praise or mention his humbleness and excellence in teaching. Advice sir gave me and my friends, once he visited LTL Transformers, was very helpful to achieve maximum benefit out of our industrial training. When I remember of Prof. Lucas, punctuality is the other thing that comes to my mind. His time management strategies are so great that amidst all his responsibilities and busy schedules, he however finds time to talk with students who come to meet him. Whenever we students went with a question that seems to be very hard to handle, it is his way to ask few simple questions and let us ourselves see the solution. Finally, I feel so fortunate and I am so thankful to him that he accepted to be the supervisor of my final year project and guide me and my team for the successful completion of the project.

Thank you so much sir.

I wish you a happy and healthy life ahead!

Tashma Maduhasini Silva, [KDU Intake 34, Semester 7 EE FYP student 2020]

From: "Hansi Sihara Kumarapeli"
Date: Thu, March 19, 2020 11:16AM

Prof. Lucas is one of the most memorable lecturers I've learned from, in my life. When I entered to the General Sir John Kotelwala Defence University to pursue my higher studies in the field of engineering, I was so excited (more like terrified) but yet not so motivated. I doubted myself for choosing the field of engineering at the time.

I clearly remember the first day Prof. Lucas lectured us on the subject of ‘Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering' in the first semester. He was the ideal figure that I've drawn my mind as a professor. He came to the class on time with a very pleasant smile. My first impression of the professor is that he is so kind yet so focused and strict. He always made sure whether we have any questions, and if so helped us clear them.

Professor may not know this, but he is half of the reason why I chose my stream as Electrical and Electronics Engineering. His teaching made me confident that I am more interested on Electrical and Electronics Engineering, rather than others. It made me motivated to do my studies and be sure of the path that I chose.

Again, I got the chance to learn from him in the 5th semester (3rd year) on the subject of 'High Voltage Engineering'. Now as a 4th year student I am fortunate to have Prof. Lucas as my Final Year Project Supervisor. Professor is so supportive, and he always guides us to push our limits to reach our fullest potential. What I really value of him is that no matter how talented, renowned and respected he is, professor is always so down to earth. He is the most humble person and also the kindest lecturer. He is so patient and understanding when it comes to working with his students.

Finally, I'd like to thank professor for the guidance, inspiration and the best supervision that he gives out to us.

Wish you all the best and may you have all the blessings for your journey sir. I am so grateful for having the chance to be one of your students. Thank you.

Hansi Kumarapeli , [KDU, Semeste 7, Intake 34 EE FYP student, 2020]

From: "Dulini Amarasinghe"
Date: Thu, March 19, 2020 09:48AM

Sir, its pleasure and honor to share my memories of you. The first time I met sir was in my first semester lecture of Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering. That time I had no idea how sir would be, but Prof lucas is honestly one of the most humble lecturers I’ve ever met. Since the first year to the final year, I was able to learn from you and I think its a great opportunity that I ever got as an undergraduate. Also I was privileged to be one of your final year project students.

I am so happy for you for celebrating the golden jubilee of teaching. Congratulations sir!

Prof. Lucas, sir Thank you very much for the immense service you have done for all the students. Finally I wish you all the very best with good health and happiness. May the triple gem bless you. ❤️❤️❤️

Dulini Amarasinghe, [KDU Intake 34, Semester 7 EE FYP student 2020]

 

From: "Bumindi Peiris"
Date: Thu, Nov 25, 2021 1:56 PM

Thank you sir for giving me this opportunity to share my memories of you. In 2017, I met Lucas sir in my first semester at KDU. He was the first senior professor who taught us on the first day of our university life. At the very beginning, I thought that he was the same as the other senior professors. But it’s not like that, he was a very kind and pleasant person to every student. “Fundamental of Electrical Engineering” was the first subject he taught us. The way he taught the subject by using day-to-day examples, we understood the subject materials easily. I could reach high marks for his subject because of his teaching methods.

After my first semester, again I met him in the second and fifth semester for the subjects “Theory of Electricity” and “High Voltage”. Up to my fifth semester, I wasn’t talking with sir directly. But the last days of that semester, we had mini-research presentations and sir was at the panel. In that period I was scared to present in front of him because he asked many questions. I thought he was like that because he wanted to cut marks. But in my presentation I realized that was not to cut marks, only give  advice to make improvements to our products. All the questions he asked that day were practical issues that may rise up with that product. So his advice helped me to overcome those problems. Thank you sir for your encouragement on that day.

In my intern period, I was at CEB in my first three months. For the next three months, only two undergraduates had a chance for the LTL Holdings which they offered to KDU and I was in third place in the pending list according to the merit order. So we asked Lucas sir if there was any possibility for getting more chances from LTL to KDU. So he made necessary arrangements for that without any diffidence. Due to that, I got the chance to work in LTL Transformers.

 I was lucky to have Prof. Lucas as my FYP supervisor. He guided us every step in our project and he got updates on the pros and cons of situations. Before the demonstration days, he checked our PowerPoint presentations carefully and corrected every single mistake which is not only the subject materials but also the layout of it to make perfect presentations. Thank you sir for your guidance on that. My latest memory of sir was the day of my convocation. After the convocation ceremony, you waited for photographs with your FYP group students at the cafeteria premises. Sir, you are the only lecturer who waited for us, to take photographs. When we were asking him “Sir, shall we take photograph” he replied with his usual smile and said, “Photos are the memories that we can keep with us forever”. Thank you sir for making our precious day unforgettable. Prof. Lucas, sir you are the best lecturer and most supportive supervisor I ever met. I was lucky to be your student and wish you a healthy and prosperous life ahead.

Bumindi Peiris, [KDU Intake 34, EE Graduate 2021 FYP student]

From: "Punsara Samarakkody"
Date: Thu, September 26, 2019 8:43PM

It really is a great pleasure for me to share my memories with u sir😊.

I read many of your memories and I felt very proud to be sharing my memories with u, as all of them were very successful personalities. I feel bad that I have only memories of an year to share with others. It is an honour for me to add some of these memories with the great Professor Lucas.

I first met Professor Lucas, exactly an year ago, at the welcome ceremony of the 2017 batch of the Electrical Engineering Department. He stood out among all the other lecturers, even on the first day, as he was a very gentle and friendly lecturer. I was lucky enough to learn Theory of Electricity under him in Semester 2, which is still my favourite subject, out of all that I have learnt until now. He was a great lecturer, who had the ability to simplify any complex knowledge, so that we could comprehend them.

This proved that he is close to our hearts, not only as a lecturer but also as a dear friend. Professor Lucas was always a very bright person who always talks with us with a smiling face. I am so glad to get to know such a great personality as Professor Lucas and I wish him all the happiness, health and prosperity for his future.

Punsara Samarakkody, [UoM 2017 Intake, Semester 4 EE student 2019]

From: "Amanda Andrahennadi"
Date: Sun, September 29, 2019 11:07AM

Thank you sir for this great opportunity to share my memories of you. I read a lot of memories on your blog. A year ago I met you as our Theory of Electricity lecturer in Semester two. You did it very interestingly and it became as my favourite subject because of you.

In the meantime, you were assigned to be our group mentor, but you became as our friend. Actually, we came to mentoring not because it is in our timetable.

Sometimes you asked questions from me in the lecture. At first, I was afraid but afterwards I learned it is very good for us. You are simple and amicable.

I have a memory that I remember it like today. We had our Helakamkala event, and we came to your lecture late; you were angry, but you thought on our side and didn't give the quiz that day. We appreciated it a lot. You also participated in every event organized by students, like a student. I hope you could remember your past. You are very close to our hearts. I have learned a lot more things from you.

Sir, I wish you a long healthy life ahead. Thank you very much for the support, you are giving always.

I won't forget your happy smiley face 😊

May you be always blessed by the noble triple gem.

Amanda Andrahennadi, [UoM 2017 intake, Semester 4 EE student 2019]

From: Harshi Sandunika Abeygunasekara
Date: Mon, September 30, 2019 11:18AM

First of all I would like to thank you sir, for giving this chance to share my memories of you as an undergraduate in Electrical Engineering at University of Moratuwa. I met Prof. Rohan Lucas nearly one year ago in semester 2, as the lecturer of Theory of Electricity module. Really he is an expert in this field and it is great to be able to learn from him.

Not only that, Prof.Lucas was our group mentor for the second semester. In that session he was very close to us and friendly with us. It was very comfortable for us to discuss our problems with him. I have learnt a lot of things from him and it has changed the way we look at the perspective of life. He encouraged us in extra curicular activities and helped us to develop our confidence and English speaking ability.

He taught not only the subject matter, but also he participated in every event which were organized by the students just like a student. Always appreciated us and encouraged us with a smiling face.

I am so glad to be a student of you. Thank you very much sir for guiding us and encouraging us. Wish you all the very best and long healthy life ahead. May triple gem bless you!

A.W. Harshi Sandunika Abeygunasekara, [UOM 2017 Intake, Semester 4 EE student 2019]

From: "Sasindu Prasad"
Date: Wednsday, October 2, 2019 1:59PM

I am happy and honoured that I got an opportunity to share my memories with you sir, as one of your students, because it is a rare thing that a student gets.

I first saw you at the welcome ceremony of the 2017 batch in the seminar room. However, I have heard about you, sir, in the first semester when Mrs. Premaratne madam told us that there is a great lecturer who teaches even after he has retired from the electrical department, and she gave us handouts about an author name Prof Rohan Lucas, University of Moratuwa. That is the first memory about you sir.

After that, I saw you in my second semester in 2018 at the “Theory of Electricity” module at JG hall. I have a memory that I remember like today, you saying, “Please come to the front”. It was a common instruction in every lecture. At the continuous assignment time, you walked through the whole class and looked how we answered. You collected papers on time and rejected papers that were given after the collection time. That is the most memorable memory about you sir. We have a picture about you as a strict lecturer. However, you always taught us to do the right thing.

I got chance to meet you personally when you were assigned to be our group mentor. That is the way sir I got to know each other so close. On the very first day, I was afraid before we met you. But, it was a friendly talk, not a conversation between a lecturer and students. You introduced yourself. I remember as if it was today that you told us about your school life, university etc. You asked our Facebook names and became Facebook friends. I have not even met a lecturer who shares his memories and connect with students like that. You asked questions and advised us to do right things to build up a good career.

I have another memory that I remember like today, in the get-together in 2018. Actually, we expected your presence, but to our surprise, you played games with us and took photos with us. We could not forget your smart phone camera. I saw that you got photos with students and collect memories in all events that you took part. Actually, we wondered about you sir, but we understood that you are different from other lecturers and involved in events a as a lecturer, as well as a friend.

I think that is why I am sharing my memory with you sir, and there are so many memories in your memory collection and those are too much to read. I do not think any lecturer have this kind of memory collection. I think those are the wealth that you earned from students, because of your kindness and humbleness as a lecturer.

We respect you sir, for your huge service to our country, to the University of Moratuwa and our Department.

Again, I am so glad to be a student of you sir, and for this great opportunity. Thank you very much sir. I wish you good health and long life. May Triple Gem Bless you Sir!

J.A.M Sasindu Prasad Abhayawardhana, [UOM 2017 Intake, Semester 4 EE Student 2019]

From: "Nimesha Amarasinghe"
Date: Fri, October 11, 2019 10:01PM

Thank you sir for giving me this chance to share my memories of you as your student and also as an undergraduate in Electrical Engineering at University of Moratuwa.

I met you in semester 2, as the lecturer of Theory of Electricity module and also as our mentor. Honestly you are an amazing lecturer I ever met and it is a great opportunity I ever had to learn from you. In mentor sessions, you were very close to us and very friendly with us. Your guidance was very helpful to us and I learnt a lot of things from you. You guided us to be the professionalist who the industry looking for, be the expert and be practical.

Also, I remember that you came to EESoc family get together which was organized by the electrical engineering students, and participated in the games. You never underestimate our work, only appreciation and encouragement was there.

I am so glad to be a student of you. Thank you very much sir for all your support. Wish you all the best and long healthy life ahead. God bless you!

Nimesha Amarasinghe, [UOM 2017 Intake, Semester 4 EE student 2019]

From: "Kasuni Wanninayake"
Date: Thu, March 5, 2020 at 8:50 PM

Professor Rohan Lucas was one of the best lecturers I’ve ever met in my university life as he was a very enthusiastic yet highly resourceful scholar of all time. He was the lecturer who did Theory of Electricity for our batch in the second semester and I found the subject matter quite interesting owing to his profound skill of teaching complex theories in a very feasible manner. He managed to induce confidence about academics in our minds and thereon guide us through further paths of knowledge.

When it comes to his humane character, I found him as a humble man of genuineness and respect. He taught us not only the subject matter but also a range of discipline for life while enriching us as his own children. In my point of view, Prof. Lucas is a warm-hearted person with much commitment and dedication towards the University of Moratuwa. He was there in every special occasion of the Electrical Engineering Department and I always found him amid students and enjoying the moment. He, being a very modest personality, even played games and got involved with students in different events of the university. Also, I’ve seen him engaging with his family members, especially with his grandson, Avisha, as a very responsible and loving character for everyone there. He’s simply blessed with a smart mind and a delicate heart that are unquestionably rare to be found in the people of the modern-day context.

Sir, you are one of the best examples conveying the message that age or level of education doesn’t matter to retain happiness and fulfillment in mind while spreading love and kindness to the world. I feel very lucky to be one of your students and also to have this opportunity to pen down some of my memories of a great personality.

May you be blessed for a long, healthy and contented life ahead!

Kasuni Wanninayake , [UoM 2017 intake, Semester 5 EE student 2020]

From: "Dishali Gurusinghe"
Date: Wed, December 25, 2019  9:13PM

I think what sets apart Prof.Lucas from other lecturers I've come across is not his superior knowledge,lecturing skills,vast experience or elite position in the social ladder but rather how humble he is despite all that. Very lucky and happy that I got the opportunity to know Prof. Lucas more than just a lecturer, else I would have never realized what a great human being he truly is.

The best memory we have as a batch so far is his birthday in 2018, where ironically we had to face one of his numerous in-class tests. We sang "Happy Birthday" with the intention of softening him up but we are still clueless as to whether it actually worked. Wishing Prof. Lucas a healthy long life filled with happiness.

Hope you had a great Christmas sir. This will be my Christmas gift to you.

With Love from your student Dishali

Dishali Gurusinghe, [KDU Intake 35, Semester 5 EE student 2020]

From: "Hansika Godage"
Date: Wed, January 15, 2020  9:50 PM

A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning! Never once thought that this professor, whom on the first day, a majority of us thought to be yet another boring, old fashioned professor who will scribble on the board and keep talking enigmatic theories, by the first sight, to end up embossing his name in our hearts.

The first day of the first semester of the freshman year 2018, ended up being a usual Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering lecture, but made us realize that College life needs commitment, courage and dedication to succeed.

One of the best memories I had about our beloved Professor Lucas is that one fine pictograph designed by himself to inspire us on target coverage. The cartoon image featuring “The Flintstones” (popularly known as Giripura Aththo) depicting the numerous milestones that we would come up during our life, from womb to coffin.

Most importantly, what is epic is to see his everyday desktop wallpaper projected on to the screen, standing in front of the High Voltage Laboratory dedicated to his name, carrying his beloved grandchild in his hands, surrounded by the rest of his family.

My second chapter with Professor Lucas begins when I had to take up the classes for the “Theory of Electricity” in my freshman year second semester. The best part of it was him threating us with all smiles, telling that he would be locking the doors sharp at class commencement time! Man-of-his-words, professor Lucas really was sticking to his words when he was restraining the late comers. But then there was me who was always checking-in late, at least twenty minutes, except for a few times, smiling ear-to-ear at him, and he with open arms welcoming me, seemingly getting the advantage of the soft spot in his heart! Like how a grand pa loves his kids, Prof. Lucas, the beloved grand pa of baby Avisha, being an Emeritus Professor with an ocean of knowledge, loves us the same way, trying to mold us to be the promising engineers in the years coming ahead.

Never would I be able to forget how we, as a class with the motto “United we stand, divided we fall”, tried to negotiate with him in an in-class test, which was held on his birthday (2018), desperately struggling to make him go easy on us with the test, singing “Happy Birthday” intending to melt his heart and get the benefit. All our efforts were in vein when he summoned the instructors to be the invigilators and collected the papers on time without at least giving a split second in addition. Without limiting his love for his students to the class, Professor Lucas generously smiles and greets to his students whenever he meets them, nor forgets to have a word, evoking reminiscences of good old days of him with us.

Last but not least, no award would ever at least come closer to his commitment in covering all the events he takes part, giving the full media coverage like a pro, still with a simple mobile phone camera. Thankyou Professor Lucas sir! Thank you for always being a closer-to-heart, generous, caring, simple yet outstanding and an understanding companion in academics and life to your students. Forever in debt to you.

Wishing you whole heartedly for a longer, healthier, happier and a wealthier life ahead. Thankyou!

With lots of love,

Hansika Godage, Day Scholar – [KDU Intake XXXV [KDU Semester 5 ME student 2020]

From: "Ravindi Amarasinghe"
Date: Mon, February 8, 2021 12:13 PM

Not Everyone is blessed to have great lecturers, like you in life. It’s a rare gift that we sometimes tend to overlook. But to have people who, not only teach you the subject, but also guide us whenever possible is truly priceless.

Prof. Lucas is such a dedicated, hardworking, talented and most importantly fun to work with. Definitely, one of the coolest Senior Professors we’ve come across with a pleasant smile.

The first day, Prof. Lucas lectured us on ‘Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering’ in the first semester is still remembered.  The way he delivers lectures, analyzing from the simplest point to complex point, is very understandable.

Most of the students have scored high marks for his subjects. Honestly, his way of teaching was one of the major reasons for choosing my stream (Electrical and Electronic).

We have a memory of the day we sang “Happy B’day song” during at the start of a lecture.  We were so thrilled, when we saw the FB post he has uploaded, appreciating that.

We are so fortunate to have his guidance / supervision for our Final Year Project as well. Thank you! is too small word for guidance, dedication, friendship and loads of knowledge you showered on us.

Your commitment is truly demanding, set an example for us to work a little bit harder and to be better engineers and good citizens. You are truly an inspiration and believe we owe you much. Kindly accept my sincere gratitude for all your untiring efforts.

Wish you the very best in your future endeavours filled with healthy life.

Ravindi Amarasinghe, [KDU Intake 35, Semester 7 EE FYP student 2021]

From: "Suwithi Karunasekera"
Date: Monday, 10 May 2021 11:43 AM

Professor Lucas is special to me because he is such a great human being, apart from being a fantabulous lecturer. From learning the basics of Electrical Engineering to much complicated sections such as High Voltage, Professor Lucas was the ideal lecturer.

What I would never forget is how Professor Lucas helped us with our Final Year Project when our supervisor,  Professor HYR Perera passed away. Sir, who had five groups to supervise. did not say no, did not make us feel disheartened, but understood our situation and eagerly stepped up to supervise our project temporarily, which indeed gave us a tremendous sense of encouragement and support. Thank you Sir for always believing in us and for all the guidance and those beautiful advice that you've always given us.

I am forever grateful. I wish you nothing but a happy, healthy and a long life with hundreds of memories to cherish.

Suwithi Karunasekara , [KDU Intake 35, Semester 8 EE student 2021]

From: "Shevoni Galappaththi"
Date: Wed, May 26 at 2:01 AM

When I first met Prof. Lucas back in 2018 for our “Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering” lecture in semester 01, it was a time I didn’t understand most of everything that was taught to us. Because university was nothing like the school, and almost everyone looked serious, especially because it was a military university and we were new to most of the rules. So it was truly a blessing to have such a friendly/kind person in a time like that. One of the best university memories I have to this date is singing you happy birthday during one of your lectures. Although we had a module of Prof. Lucas in the 2nd semester, I think we all were a little sad and disappointed because we didn't have any modules of him for the next two semesters, and were worried we might not get the chance to learn from him again. But in the 5th semester, we had “High Voltage Engineering 1” which was a module that was extremely important to an electrical engineering student that can be pretty impactful for not just the university level but in the long run too. And it was truly an honor to learn a module like High Voltage Engineering from one of the renowned experts in Sri Lanka, who was able to explain very complicated subject matters in a simpler form to make sure no student was left behind as we moved forward.

Out of all the things that could go wrong as an engineering student, not being able to successfully complete the final year project must be the worst nightmare. But to be able to work under the supervision of Prof. Lucas put all our worries to rest, as we know he would guide and mentor us the best possible way and would never let us take a single wrong step along the way. And I would like to make this an opportunity to thank you sir for being so considerate throughout these years. Last but not the least I would like to mention how I will miss his jokes about my driving because I once had to take a zoom meeting in my car (A very accurate graphical representation of my life by Prof Rohan Lucas is shown in the cartoon) and his "hello madam" every time he picks up his phone to answer my calls because that's how relaxed and close to students he truly is.

God bless you sir, stay healthy and continue to serve our society in various capacities for a very long time.

With love from your student Shevoni.

Shevoni Galappaththi, [KDU Intake 35, Semester 8 EE Project student 2021]

From: "Ruchithrani Sandeepa "
Date: Wed, June 2, 2021 4:11 PM

I think what distinguishes Professor Lucas from other lecturers I have met, is the level of kindness and compassion that he shows towards his students. I will never be able to find a way to express, how humble he is and how generous he is, despite his superior knowledge and vast experience in this Electrical Engineering Field.

What I would never forget is how Professor Lucas lost his temper during our Mini Project Final Evaluation because the students were a bit late for the final presentation. Though I was the 24th student in the name list, I had to present and demonstrate my working prototype right after the 2nd student finished his presentation. I was very nervous and scared to the maximum, and I believed I would not be able perform very well, because it was truly an unexpected incident. However, I managed it, and Prof Lucas seemed to be pleased about my work. It was a great relief for me and I did not see his angry face anymore. However, I must say that he rarely loses his temper and he always keeps his smile on his face. Since, he is a punctual person, he expects the same quality from his students too. And on the same day, after my presentation, I was helping one of my friends with her project at 24/7 laboratory. Professor Lucas came to the laboratory to evaluate other project prototypes and he suddenly noticed me and asked “Are you going to show us another project in the evening?”. I could not stop my laughter. The whole panel was there with him, and they started to laugh too. Though there were many unforgettable memories with him, this would be the one that I will cherish mostly.

Last but not least, I would like to recall how Professor Lucas helped us with our Final Year Project. He encouraged us to find more interesting and trending project topics. He advised us not to limit the project to a research, but also to implement even a very small working prototype of the model, which will be a great advantage when we start seeking jobs. When we first come to meet Professor Lucas at the KDU to discuss further on this project, officers of the KDU did not allow us to enter inside KDU due to the COVID 19 pandemic. But, Professor Lucas understood our situation and eagerly stepped up to help us by taking necessary action.

Sir, I am forever grateful to meet you and learn from you. You are truly an inspiration for us. I am proud to be one of your students.

May you live longer! May your teaching spread worldwide!

With Love from your student Sandeepa,

AGR Sandeepa, [KDU Intake 35, Semester 8 EE Project student 2021]

From: "Pawani Umasha Wickramarathne"
Date: Fri, June 4, 2021 4:20 PM

Senior Professor Lucas is one of the humblest professors I’ve known in my entire life. He always tries to explain things in the simplest and the most hilarious way possible, which makes it fun to listen to him. I can guarantee that he never failed in teaching us. I remember once I had to go through his office door in and out few times as asked by Prof. Lucas, to demonstrate a theory he was trying to explain relating to our final year project.

He always tries to think from the student’s side and sincerely cares for us. He proved it a numerous times from our 1st semester to the last. Despite his busy schedule, he always finds time for our concerns.

I’m eternally thankful for him for agreeing to supervise our final year project. I couldn’t have imagined anyone else better. Even during the covid-19 pandemic, he manages his time to check the progress of our project and to guide us through vivid and new directions. He never forgets or fails to mention a joke or two before we end our meetings. He was never late to any of our lectures or meetings. and he never will.

Almost every engineer I’ve known in my life, knows Prof. Lucas, mostly as their teacher. Most importantly they all respect him and that says a lot. Even though knowing lots of people may imply the ability of a person to socialize, getting respect from lots of people is not easy. It shows what kind of person he is. Not just engineers, every person who gets to know him starts to respect him, like we all do. I’m really lucky and thankful that I got to know him in my life as the wonderful, considerate and great human being he is. Sir, I hope you’ll be happy and healthy. Thank you so much.

With love from your student Pawani.

Pawani Wickramarathne, [KDU Intake 35, Semester 8 EE Project student 2021]

From: "Vihanga Fernando"
Date: Sat, February 20, 2021 7:24 PM

I had the pleasure of having Prof Lucas as my lecturer throughout my university life. What sets him apart from every other lecturer is that he is very humble ,smart and funny despite the fact that he has wide experience and knowledge. As a freshman, I was quite hesitant to talk with the professor, but as I got older, I found out that I could reach out to him and talk with him about any subject. He would've given an answer or more important, a series of new questions.

One of the first memories that I have with Prof Lucas is in one of the first in-class test that we had in the first semester. Me and a few of my friends were late in handing over the answer sheets. and professor collected them in another pile and called out the names to in front of the class. He made sure we're not meant to do that ever again. Despite his cool , calm personality, that was one of the few days I have seen him being strict where every other day he is like a friend to us. Another fond memory is that we were lucky enough to celebrate Prof Lucas' birthday and sing happy birthday to him. He was quite surprised when all of us started singing happy birthday to him.

I was also fortunate that Prof Lucas agreed to become our supervisor for our final year project. Having him as our supervisor has helped us tremendously, where he guided us by giving clear instructions on how to make an idea into a project, by not limiting just to research. Despite the fact that we are in a pandemic and his busy schedule, he always finds time to get into meetings with us, whether it's physically at the KDU or through zoom meetings. He always went out of his way to ensure that we were properly guided, whether it's our project or any other matter at hand.

I am forever grateful for everything that you've done sir, It is truly an honour and a privilege to be a student of yours. I wish you nothing but happiness and a healthy life.

With love from your student Vihanga

Vihanga Fernando, [KDU Intake 35, Semester 8 Final Year EE Project student 2021]

From: "Manura Bandara"
Date: Sun, August 29, 2021 12:10PM

Even though we have studied waveforms that deviate from the typical nature of waveforms during the initial time that we spent at university, we had not met a living example of a lecturer who deviates from typical lecturers, till we met Sir. It is quite rare to find a person who balances humbleness with his vast knowledge and skills. He is none other than Professor Rohan Lucas. In my opinion, he is an expert in understanding the minds of students. At times, we cannot comprehend the way he tackles situations.

I am a final year student following the Electrical and Electronics Degree programme at the Kotelawala Defence University. I am currently engaged in my Final Year Project “Automated Three Phase Fault Locator For High Voltage Transmission Lines” under the supervision of Professor Lucas, for which he supports immensely in making it a successful finding.

I am also engaged in an Undergraduate Internship programme at Amithi Power Consultants (Pvt) Ltd along with two colleagues from the University, Haritha Kalubowila and Suwithi Karunasekara. Here is a picture of us actively engaging in the testing and commissioning work of three RMU panels using the Sverker 900, which is a relay and substation test system, at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Suriyawewa premises.

When we talk about his knowledge and talent, it is quite amazing. From my point of view, I saw electrical engineering-related subjects as somewhat complicated ones. But after listening to Sir’s lectures and referring to his notes, I began to see the beauty of the subject. It was like understanding the language. Not only does Professor Lucas give out his knowledge in electrical engineering but helps the students understand this universal language. I cannot think of a better lecturer suited for electrical related subjects.

One of the unforgettable memories that I have had is, as the Intake 35 batch of students, we got the chance to wish Professor Lucas on his birthday by singing the 'Birthday song'. For which we all received an In-class Test from him as his birthday treat.

It is my greatest honor to be one of his students. I wish Professor Lucas a healthy and long life filled with nothing but happiness!

Manura Bandara , [KDU Intake 35, Semester 8 EE Final Year Project student 2021]

From: "Haritha Kalubowila"
Date: Sun, August 29, 2021 at 6:44 PM

Among thousands of loving memories, I really have no idea where and how to begin admiring his unique, adoring yet respectful qualities. Therefore, I’ll commence by quoting the great Albert Einstein. “It is the SUPREME ART of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” Indeed, this gentleman is the only person I’ve ever known to have mastered that supreme art in every possible way. Having said that, my memories run back to the very first semester at KDU, where most of the lectures were held in the FGS auditorium. I still remember sitting in the second row with my newly known gang of friends whom we refer to as the “Squad”, excited as well as scared to death to be sitting with the cadets and officers in the same hall, after listening to the terrifying speech on “How to behave within the university premises” by the Squadron Commander during the leadership program. Frankly it was the period when I used to give up all the excitement that I had, to be entered to the KDU, and there entered one gentleman into the auditorium to teach “Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering”. He used to walk in a very slow pace, with a light smile on his face and went on to the stage. Back then, I didn’t know that he was a senior Professor in our university, and that too in the same department that I’ve always been dreaming to join ever since I got to know the word “Electricity”.  The way he used to give that pleasant smile while scratching the back of his head was the first cutest thing that attracted me back to KDU. When the board on the stage was not properly illuminated, he would drag it to very most edge of the stage and would walk back and forth between the board and the podium. I must say that my concern back then was not the lesson but the only the fright of him slipping off the stage. But throughout that semester I never met him or spoke to him personally.

Somehow, we were so lucky to have him back in consecutive semesters with the module “Theory of Electricity”. And the most memorable incident was that one fine day, when we were supposed to have an inclass test, and one of our squad members, Malithi who was sharing the same boarding place with the senior colleague Ishanthi Jalthotage, brought in the news about sir’s Birthday. Everyone had the privilege to sing him happy birthday song surprising him at FOE 6-1. And the best part was that he also posted a picture of us writing for the test, mentioning the moment on Facebook. And this semester gave me the opportunity to meet him and personally talk with him for the very first time, all thanks to some printing mistakes on one of his course notes, “Laplace Transform Analysis”. That was the first time when I realized how humble and friendly he was, and that surely made this genius person not only my most favorite professor, but also a most valuable  true friend in my life.

Even though we didn’t have any of his lectures for the whole second year, we were very much fortunate to have him back with two more modules, “High Voltage Engineering 1 & 2” on 5^th and 8^th semesters. Throughout these semesters there never passed a single class where he wouldn’t crack at least a single joke on me at the physical lectures taking me as an example to explain some complex theory part. And surely, I must mention that the examples that he gives while explaining are extremely unique, which surely makes us understand his lessons really well. But somehow, due to the pandemic we had to shift to online lectures, but still he made sure that none of his lectures were boring.

And supremely we had the ultimate prosperity to work under his supervision for the final year project as well. When majority of the teams were stuck due to the pandemic, he directed us (shown on the right during zoom sessions on the project) in the correct path making sure that, not only ours but all his teams were always ready with refining progress. Speaking of his punctuality, no one could match with it and our team would get scolded, most of the time, for being late to get back to him with tasks. But how much ever the toughest he could sometimes be, he would always advice and forgive our mistakes and work back with the same cheerful and contented attitude. And he would never forget to crack a joke whenever me meet either physically or on an online platform on me shifting from Piliyandala to Kesbewa, or me not living in Kalubowila as per my surname or Shevoni’s driving skills. I could confidently say that there won’t be any other professor who could be this much flexible and attentive with his students’ issues, as anything could be shared with him, and he’ll always do something to help.

Even though there are so many other memories which I haven’t written here, they’ll always remain the closest to my heart. And I would always miss all the joyful conversations we had like how bossy Dishali was and how she became “Dish (satellite) + Ali (elephant) + Guru (teacher) + Sinha (lion) and how religious Shevoni was and mostly how you would always start every phone call saying, “Hello Sir”. And finally I must say that you have not just been my favorite university professor but, you have always been my eye opener who aimed me to be the person who I really want to be.

Thank you so much for everything sir, and it’s my greatest privilege to be one of your students growing under the huge tree of knowledge and brilliance named Professor Lucas. I wish you all the very best for your future endeavors and may the noble triple gems bless you.

Haritha Kalubowila, [KDU Intake 35, Semester 8 EE FYP student 2021]

From: "B A Malithi Nimasha"
Date: Mon, August 30, 2021 2:45PM

As the end of my university life draws near, I want to take a moment to let you know how very much I have appreciated having Prof.Lucas as my professor. I met Prof. Lucas in my first semester, as the lecturer of our “Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering” module in 2018. Learning from Prof. Lucas sparked an interest in the electrical field inside of me and persuading me to choose EE.

You are a wonderful professor who carries a wealth of knowledge in both wisdom and great studies. Prof. Lucas has a fantastic mind, which makes studying more joyful and easier. You are the most incredible and remarkable professor in my university life because of your different ways of explaining things in the easiest way possible.

Also, I am blessed to have your supervision for my final year project as well. Sir, you may not realize it, but you have been an inspiration to us all along. I could never have thought anyone else more perfect. You always advised us to turn our failures into victories.

I am grateful for everything I have learned as a result of your interesting and enlightening classes. I am also extremely thankful for Prof. Lucas’s obvious concern for all his students, including myself. Sir, it has meant so much to have a professor like you. I hope our paths will cross again soon.

I wish you all the happiness, success, and joy in life. God bless you sir.

B A Malithi Nimasha, [KDU Intake 35, Semester 8 EE FYP student 2021]

From: "Sachethana Ranasinghe "
Date: Sun, September 19 11:24 PM

Not everyone is gifted to have a lecturer like him in their undergraduate life. Recalling back to the first memory with Prof. Lucas, back in 2018, it was the Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering lecture, where he taught us the most hardest principles in the most simplest way. The way he teaches is quite unique to him. He has the ability to explain any tough part in his modules in an effortless manner. In expressing his love towards the students, Prof. Lucas wouldn't mind in greeting and smiling with his students whenever he meets them. I remember how Professor Lucas helped me in my Individual research project spending hours with me, discussing and giving advice to me about it. Being one of the members in the interview panel at the individual research project evaluation, I remember how he rescued me from some tough questions brought out by the panel. Prof. Lucas is never unflinching in giving a helping hand to his students whenever needed. He is an easy person to be accessed to anyone.

I feel truly honoured to have been taught by a senior professor like you. Thank you Lucas sir for the correct guidance and knowledge given, in moulding us into outstanding engineering professionals. Lucas sir, may you have the strength in enlightening more souls like us. I wish you nothing but a long life filled with success, happiness and good health, and most importantly, more memories to cherish with.

God bless you Sir!

With love from your student Sachethana

Sachethana Ranasinghe , [KDU Intake 35, Semester 8 EE student 2021]

From: Upamali Wickramasinghe
"Date: Sat, December 18, 2021 2:00 PM

I met Professor Lucas first at KDU when he taught us the fundamentals of electrical engineering in the first semester. I didn't even talk to him and was scared of him back then. But through the years, I grew to honor and respect him because he is such a talented lecturer who can teach even the hardest of subjects such as High Voltage Engineering in such a way that we can all understand. I grew to love all the subjects he taught us, even the in-class tests and exams. Prof. Lucas is one of the most patient and understanding souls I've ever met. He always tries to help students no matter what. It takes a big heart to help shape little minds and indeed Professor Lucas has one of biggest hearts filled with love and kindness for his students.

I had the honor of having sir as one of the supervisors for our final year research project. I am incredibly grateful for the guidance, supervision, immense dedication, and motivation he gave us. Professor Lucas was an ideal teacher, mentor, and thesis supervisor, and I will never forget the advice and encouragement he provided us with a perfect blend of insight and humor. As we had to finish our project along with our industrial training, it was hard to balance both, and without his help, patience, and support, our final year project would not be successful, so I am thankful for all the things he did for us.

I still remember the conversations we had and the advice you gave us from zoom meetings to meetings in your office. Prof. Lucas was a delight to work with, and he helped us enormously with our project, starting from proposal preparation, presentations, prototype design, and thesis writing. When we were going through an issue regarding our project, the first thought that bumped into our heads was, "We should ask Lucas, sir; he will know what to do." and he always knew exactly what to do.

I wish Prof. Lucas all the best in his future endeavors. May the wisdom and well health go long.

Upamali Wickramasinghe , [KDU Intake 35, Semester 8 EE FYP student 2021]

From: "Adithya Pathirana"
Date: Wed, December 29, 2021 2:27 PM

It is a great pleasure and honor to share my ideas and memories about my Senior Professor J. Rohan Lucas. I first met Prof. Lucas in 2018 for our “Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering” lecture in semester 01 at the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University. I loved being in his lectures because he made his lectures so engaging and lively and explained subject matters step by step.

The very first sweetest memory with Prof. Lucas, which is one of the most favorite moments of my university life, is singing you happy birthday during one of your lectures. He's not just like any other teacher. He's different: Unique, Sincere and Humble.

Prof. Lucas helped us in our final year project when our supervisor Senior Professor HYR Perera passed away without discouraging our team. Thank you, sir, for your support and believing in us throughout our final year project.

Again thank you, Sir, for all the memories that you gave us and for being kind and inspiring. It’s my greatest privilege as well as the greatest blessing to be one of your students. I wish you a bright and healthy future, Sir.

Adithya Sewwandi , [KDU Intake 35, Semester 8 EE FYP student 2021]

From: "Tharusha De Silva"
Date: Thu, Jan 20, 2022 at 8:09 AM

It is a great pleasure and honor to share my ideas and memories about my Senior Professor J. Rohan Lucas. I met Professor Lucas first at KDU when he taught us Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering in the first semester. He taught us the hardest principles in the most simplest way. The way he teaches is quite unique to him. Prof Lucas consented to supervise our final year project, which was very fortunate for me. Having him as our supervisor has been quite beneficial to us, as he has directed us by providing clear directions on how to turn a concept into a project, rather than just research.

If not for him, our final year project would not be successful, so I am thankful for all the things he did for us. I still remember the conversations we had and the advice he gave us from zoom meetings, to meetings in his office. Also, he helped us enormously with our project, starting from proposal preparation, presentations, prototype design, and thesis writing.

My gratitude to you for all you have done, which I will never forget. I truly appreciate you and the time you spent helping us in many occasions. May you have good health and joy throughout your life.

Tharusha De Silva , [KDU Intake 35, Semester 8 EE FYP student 2021]

From: "Matheesha Wedakarage "
Date: Thu, Jan 20, 2022 at 8:09 AM

It was huge pleasure and honour to learn from Senior Prof. Rohan Lucas. He has an ability to make a good environment in the lecture hall which make student automatically attract to his lectures. I know him very well because I worked with him throughout our final year research project. He has an ability to inject facts through his various examples. He does this not only in lectures but also in meetings, when someone is having something to clarify. Sometimes I wonder, how can a person teach so simply those subjects throughout the years. That’s his smartness. Yes, of course he was smart and funny and could also be sharp and tough. I will never forget his guidance throughout our final year research project and I really know how he managed time with his busy schedule to help us when we needed him. He was always there when we were in trouble. Without his guidance and support our project would not have been a success. Sir, you’re on the list of exemplary persons I met in my life. I wish a good healthy life and may your all dreams come true.

Matheesha Wedakarage, [Student Navy Officer, KDU Intake 35, Semester 8 EE student 2021]

From: "Kavindini Pabasara Rambukwella"
Date: Thursday January 20, 2022 3:37 PM

I always had the pleasure of having Prof. Lucas throughout my university life from the first semester.

What I would never forget is how Prof.Lucas helped us to do our final year project, when Prof. HYR Perera passed away. Sir, volunteered to help us when we were disheartened. And, when the progress review evaluations came up, he always called us and asked how the progress was and always helped us to improve our project presentation.

And also, when we wanted to have a meeting, Prof.Lucas always gave us a time from his busy schedule without hesitation.

Sir, Thank you for always believing in us and all advice you’ve always given us. I am forever grateful to meet you and learn from you.

Sir, I wish you nothing but the happiness and healthy life.

With love from your student Pabasara.

Pabasara Rambukwella , [KDU Intake 35, Semester 8 EE FYP student 2021]

From: "Tejala Weerapperuma"
Date: Fri, January 21, 2020 9:10 AM

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