Growth happens when we choose to take on tough opportunities instead of waiting for the easy paths. It’s about taking risks, learning from real experiences, and valuing what we learn along the journey-not just the outcome. Amith’s story exemplifies this mindset. He started with a love for technology and didn’t hesitate to jump into challenges that pushed him beyond what he knew. By learning from his experiences and not giving up after setbacks, Amith turned those tough moments into stepping stones, building a rewarding and inspiring career in tech. His journey shows how grabbing the right opportunities and learning through them can lead to real growth and success.
The first chapter
Growing up in Wennappuwa, Amith attended St. Joseph Vaz College, where he received a strong educational foundation that shaped his future. From a young age, he showed a strong interest in mathematics, which naturally led him to pursue his Advanced Levels in the Maths stream. Alongside his passion for equations and theorems, Amith was also drawn to computers and spent hours immersed in computer games and this dual interest was an early sign of the tech enthusiast he would one day become.
After completing his A/Ls, Amith joined an apparel company as a staff officer, taking up the role of planning assistant. It was here, in the midst of spreadsheets and production schedules, that a friendly encounter changed his life. A colleague from the IT department introduced him to the world of coding. Watching his colleague write programs and solve problems with logic fascinated Amith, sparking a new interest in computer science. This interaction provided him with an initial exposure to the vast possibilities within Computer Science.
University Life
Inspired by this newfound curiosity, Amith applied to the University of Peradeniya and was thrilled to be accepted into the Computer Science Degree Program. He got selected for the BSc. Honors Degree in Computer Science as one of the best 20 students out of 200 students in the Department of Statistics and Computer Science, University of Peradeniya.
University life was a transformative period for Amith. He eagerly acquired knowledge across a broad spectrum of subjects, ranging from theoretical concepts to practical technical skills. Fields like computer networks, machine learning, data mining, artificial intelligence, neural networks, and human-computer interaction left a lasting impression on him. The seamless integration of Software Defined Networking (SDN) with traditional network systems particularly intrigued him and this passion culminated in his final year research project, titled “Interoperability Between VLAN-based Networks and Software Defined Networking.” Under the guidance of Dr. Namal Karunarathna from the Department of Computer Engineering, Amith explored how SDN could be used to optimize network management by integrating VLANs with the RYU controller, seeking ways for the two protocols to coexist effectively.
During a three-month internship at the university’s Network and Communication Service, he encountered various challenges, from finding computational resources to accessing physical testing devices. Yet, these obstacles only strengthened his resolve. He learned vital skills in areas such as Wi-Fi configurations, LDAP authentication, server testing, and Microsoft Entra Admin for user and license management. So, this internship became a vital opportunity to gather learning experiences for his professional voyage.
Leadership and Volunteering
Amith didn’t limit himself to academics. As the secretary of the Computer Society at the University of Peradeniya, he developed strong leadership, organizational, and teamwork skills. One of the most notable initiatives under his leadership was organizing a virtual web development course during the COVID-19 pandemic. The course connected students from universities across Sri Lanka, enabling them to collaborate and learn during challenging times. These extracurricular experiences shaped Amith not only into a skilled developer but also into a compassionate individual with a deep sense of community. By the time he graduated with a GPA of 3.59 and a Second Class Upper Division, he had not only excelled academically but also grown tremendously on a personal level.
Stepping into the Professional World
Amith’s early project experiences and university exposure paved the way for his first professional opportunity. Through a friend, he was introduced to Drifting Desk LLC, where he began working part-time as a Junior Java backend developer during his final year of university.
Thanks to the flexible nature of remote work, Amith was able to balance his academic and professional responsibilities. Even during exams, university responsibilities, and the internship program, the work environment remained supportive and flexible, offering guidance without pressure. He found immense joy in creating automation logic and developing impactful software solutions. In his first project, he had the opportunity to learn about Cloud Native Applications, deployment, and Microservice architecture with the help of his friends Aruna and Pawan. Collaborating with peers, he took on responsibilities both in the backend and frontend, stepping confidently into the role of a full-stack developer. After a year of dedication and consistent performance, Amith was promoted to the position of Software Developer. In this new role, he encountered entirely new technologies and challenges. Yet, true to his character, he embraced them with enthusiasm, always eager to learn and evolve.
Future Focus
As Amith looks to the future, his ambition remains clear, he plans to pursue a master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence while continuing to grow in his software development career. With a solid foundation in both academic theory and practical application, coupled with a deep-seated passion for technology, he is well on his way to making meaningful contributions to the world of AI and beyond.
Amith’s story isn’t just a roadmap for aspiring tech professionals-it’s a telling example that the future belongs to those who dare to experiment, adapt, and lead with both heart and intellect. His path shows that when we pursue something with genuine commitment, meaningful results often tend to follow. As Amith continues to explore new territories in the tech world, his journey encourages us all to find inspiration in the unexpected, to seek out learning in every challenge, and to build communities that grow together.
