Written by: Jack Thompson

Ratnajeevan Hoole: A Pioneering Sri Lankan Tamil Engineer and Academic

Ratnajeevan Hoole, a renowned Sri Lankan Tamil engineer and academic, is best known for his remarkable contributions to the fields of electrical engineering, computational electromagnetics, and his dedication to public service, particularly as a member of the Election Commission of Sri Lanka.

Early Life and Education

Hailing from a family of intellectuals, Hoole was born on September 15, 1952, to Rev. Richard Herbert Ratnathurai Hoole and Jeevamany Somasundaram. He received his early education at Nallur CMS Practising School and St. John's College, Jaffna.

• He was offered a position to study at the University of Ceylon, Peradeniya in 1970 but was transferred to the Ceylon College of Technology, graduating from the University of Sri Lanka Katubedda campus in 1975 with a B.Sc degree in electrical engineering.
• In 1977, he earned a M.Sc. in electrical machines and power systems from the University of London.
• He later received a Ph.D. in electromagnetic field computation from Carnegie Mellon University in 1983.
• In 1993, he was awarded a D.Sc. in computational electromagnetics from the University of London.

Career Highlights

Hoole's academic and professional journey is marked by numerous milestones and achievements.

• He began his career as an instructor in electrical engineering at the University of Sri Lanka Katubedda campus in 1975.
• He worked as an engineer for an engineering consultancy firm in Singapore from 1976 to 1977.
• Between 1977 and 1980, he was a lecturer in electrical engineering at The Polytechnic, Ibadan.
• In 1981, he was a Westinghouse Intern and a teaching assistant at McGill University, followed by a stint as a graduate assistant at Carnegie Mellon University in 1982.
• Hoole worked for PA Consulting Services between 1983 and 1984, before joining Drexel University in September 1984 as an assistant professor.

Public Service and Honors

Beyond his academic pursuits, Hoole has made significant contributions to public service and has been recognized for his efforts.

• He served as a member of the Election Commission of Sri Lanka, demonstrating his commitment to democratic processes and good governance.
• Holding dual Sri Lankan and US citizenship, Hoole has been an advocate for democratic values and human rights.

Personal Life

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Hoole is a devoted family man and a member of the Church of Ceylon.

• He is married to Dushyanthi Hoole, a fellow academic from Michigan State University.
• The couple has three daughters, Mariyahl Mahilmany, Elisapeththu Elilini, and Annahl Anbini, and a son, Yovahn Yesuraiyan Ratnajeevan.
• Hoole is the brother of Rajan Hoole, a human rights activist and writer.

Legacy

Ratnajeevan Hoole's remarkable journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication to education, public service, and his community.

Through his work, he has inspired countless individuals, leaving an indelible mark on the fields of electrical engineering, computational electromagnetics, and democratic governance.