My name is Isuru Abeywardana, and I currently serve as a Software Engineer at SWAT Mobility Pte Ltd in the vibrant city of Singapore. I proudly graduated from the 6th Computing and Information Systems batch and the 18th Applied Sciences batch.
Rewind to 2014, when I had the opportunity to join the Department of Computing and Information Systems. Driven by a curiosity for computer science since childhood, I wholeheartedly embraced this chance, enrolling at Sabaragamuwa University to pursue my
passion.
As a curious undergraduate, Sabaragamuwa University provided the perfect platform for me to explore various domains within the tech industry and discover where my interests lay. I delved into different technologies, ranging from Backend/Frontend Technologies to Cloud Computing and IoT. Our comprehensive curriculum provided a holistic understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle, equipping me with invaluable skills for the journey ahead. Beyond the confines of the classroom, my journey was marked by active involvement within the tech community. From my humble beginnings as a Microsoft Student Champ to assuming roles within the Google Developer Group Sri Lanka and Facebook Dev Circle Colombo, my engagement with NG Sri Lanka, IEEE Sri Lanka, Stackoverflow Sri Lanka, Google Crowdsource Sri Lanka, and others further enriched my journey. Notably, I made history as the first GitHub Campus Expert during my fourth academic year.
During my period I worked closely with IEEE Sri Lana and as a collaborative effort of my batch mates we established the IEEE student branch and the organization of the prestigious IEEE Congress 2017 at Sabaragamuwa University. These experiences were unforgettable memories of my university life.
In 2017, I was selected for the Google Summer of Code program with FOSSASIA. I received unwavering support from my department and supervisors, it helped me to complete the program while having health balance with academic responsibilities.
In closing, I am extremely grateful for the support of the individuals who have accompanied me on this journey. My story could have been different and difficult without these wonderful people around me. As I look ahead, I am guided by the belief that " We rise by lifting others." To all aspiring professionals, always remember to lend a helpful hand to others in their community.
I wish you all the best in your endeavors.
Alumni Success Stories
I, Nivarthana Sandeepani, landed my dream job as a Software Engineer at TIQRI a few years back. Of course I had to work my socks off to reach where I am today ("Hard work really does pay off!!").
In my role of working my way up, I worked in multifarious domains including banking, telecommunication, marketing data mining, human resource management, networking and real estate ("Yes it IS a lot!"). I was always a relentless advocate when it came to volunteering as I feel like it's aiding me more than I can imagine providing me with meaningful and transformative experiences about life.
Not only did I stop there but also wrote content for blogs while as an individual emboldened to be a profound leader by my teachers, mentored or contributed as an active speaker in IEEE, SOCS, Hackadev and other knowledge sharing sessions. And yes they were primarily focused on university students, podcasts and business forums (Automation Days Asia 2022 for Industry Experts, Youth Dialogue 2020, RIRC 2019 Conference and IWA 2020 Conference.) I am what you may call an adventurous soul not to mention being one curious thing. I found my hobbies in swimming because well, water always did an amazing job at calming me when I felt suffocating or too agitated ("Give it a try, definitely worth a shot..").
My biggest and most pivotal strength is that when my mind is set on something particular, I'd always give it my hundred percent. It led my interests to entrepreneurship which gained me a huge opportunity for teamwork. Hands-down I got the best team members. And the result was our own business "Zenson" which's related to IOT and Machine Learning Products ("I feel as if I am always about to burst with happiness whenever the name's mentioned"). We worked together for one goal, cried together when storms hit and yelled in joy at times of success. I've never been more honored to be a team member in our troop as we achieved and carved our name on numerous competitions, forums and accelerators (She Loves Tech 2021, Asia Tech 2022, PanXellarator and Hackdev ERCP.)
My mantra that I always repeat in my mind is, "Never let your resolve die because that will always have your back."
Having over 7 years of experience as a UI/UX Engineer in a number of Software Engineering industries, I have studied and have exposure to a multifold of domains like Travel & Tourism, E-Learning, E-Commerce, Artificial Intelligent Systems, and Management Systems. (I technically was in love with AI from the first thought, it was such a cool breeze of apprehension for the monotony.)
UX Process, Product Designing, Prototyping, Design Systems are the most recognized commitments over the years with the emergence of new IT concepts and innovations.
Currently I am paving the way towards my long term goal which is to be a Product Design Lead and work on productive software products. It's always been my sincere hope to serve the human kind, with something new, something like no other in history.
I have already built a reputation of working on academic programs with academic institutions like CIS, UCSC, SLTC & AIESEC and a few UX related hackathons that took place recently. Those perpetual new experiences were frequent brainstorms of knowledge and ideas.
And supplementarily, I am of a huge self-confessed nature and a travel lover plus a 4x4 enthusiast because well, what's not to like.
My name is Buddhika Priyabhashana, and I am a Senior Software Engineer at Sysco LABS, one of the reputed IT companies in Sri Lanka. With a robust background in software engineering and a passion for emerging technologies, I have accumulated over five years of industry experience. Prior to Sysco LABS, I had the privilege of working at WSO2, Arimac Lanka and Omobio, which significantly contributed to my professional growth.
I completed my Bachelor’s Degree in Computing and Information Systems from Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. My final year research project focused on “Implementing Fog Computing Architecture using Cloud Computing and Deep Neural Networks”, culminating in five research publications. In addition to my technical expertise, I hold a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Postgraduate Institute of Management, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka.
I have worked with prominent tech communities such as UNDP, ICTA, GDG, and IEEE for the betterment of the community. My contributions to these communities include mentoring and conducting sessions for emerging entrants to the IT industry and aspiring entrepreneurs. I firmly believe in the continuous exchange of knowledge and strive to learn from others while sharing my expertise. My notion of success in the IT sector is a journey of lifelong learning and knowledge acquisition, which I consider essential for a successful career transition.
As a Senior Software Developer at Shopify, I, Dilum Navanjana completed the Bachelor's Degree in Computing and Information Systems from the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka.
The fundamentals of programming I learnt about a decade ago as part of the degree program gave a kickstart in not only my career as a developer but also to work alongside the finest leading developers even today. I am grateful for myself for choosing this degree which solidified and paved the way for my career path and moreover, thankful for my university which molded unrivaled individuals by providing us with opportunities of inestimable value with the purpose of sharpening our skills. Once representing the university, I am gratified to mention that I obtained the privilege of showcasing an App that I developed at a biggest tech exhibition in Sri Lanka. Yes it was definitely a palm-sweating and nerve-racking experience ("Not to mention the nerves!") but to this day I frankly believe that that was the turning point in my life which accelerated my career path rapidly to the person I am today.
Currently I am serving as a Technical Lead for Veloretti at Gapstars and moreover I am flattered to say that I have ten years of experience in the software Ruby on Rails while obtaining the opportunity to work alongside with clients building a good rapport with them who were from all around the globe such as Australia, Brunei, Singapore, and the Netherlands.
During the time period of education I received at the Department of Computing and Information Systems (CIS), it helped me have a leg-up on practical knowledge and profoundly contributed in assisting me build a sound theoretical foundation relevant to the work in the industry. As a proud member of the pioneering batch of graduates, I should exceptionally vocalize that, even back then the academic environment was conducive to study: things have only improved since those early days.
I am delighted to say that I buddied up with an uncountable number of wonderful, like-minded people during my time at CIS. Those lifelong friendships I built with them were so filled with joyous times and laughter. ("Yes they were the bestest friends one could have!!")
And the crucial point that undoubtedly needs to be mentioned to anyone who hopes to come here is, the breathtaking and picturesque surroundings with the neighboring mountains and looming mist.("Beware! You'll be mesmerized by the environment!")
I am a Backend Software Engineer for SWAT Mobility in Singapore and I am a graduate from the Department of Computing and Information Systems.
I am flattered to say that I was awarded the "Huawei Seeds for Future" scholarship in 2018 and furthermore, I completed my Industrial training in one of the best entities in the industry - 99x in 2019 and started my career there in 2020. I consider the secret for my accomplishments, the undying resolve and perseverance I always seem to hold.
On top of that, I also was awarded with the Dean's List award in 2021 and was awarded with numerous awards for my final year research including the Gold Award for the Best Tertiary University Research Project and Most Innovative Cloud Solution of the year 2021 at NBQSA, Sri Lanka. ("Yes I did win an exciting list of awards...")
While I never imagined myself to walk that far, I'd never reach where I am right now without the abetment of CIS which I would forever be grateful for. Being able to be a part of CIS was the best decision I had ever made in my life.