I dreamed of being a software engineer at 14. At 18, I became one.

I was 14 when I decided what I wanted to do with my life. I had just seen what code could do: a few lines of text on a screen that could turn into something real, something people could use. From that day, I had a dream that many people around me thought was too big: to become one of the youngest software engineers in Sri Lanka.

This is the story of how that dream came true at 18, and what I learned along the way.

Learning on my own

I didn't start with a perfect plan or expensive courses. I started with curiosity. I learned one tutorial at a time, one error at a time, one small project at a time. Many nights ended with broken code and no idea why it didn't work. But every small win, every bug fixed, every page that finally loaded, kept me going.

To learn how real software is built, I joined the Professional Practice in Software Development programme by the University of Moratuwa (CODL). It helped me move from “writing code” to building complete applications, front end and back end.

The exam that changed everything

Then came SLASSCOM Future Career Bridge, a national programme that connects young talent with Sri Lanka's tech industry. I remember walking in nervous. I walked out as one of the selected, and when the results came, I was placed 4th in Sri Lanka.

That result meant more than a number. It was the first time someone outside my own head said: you can actually do this. I went on to complete Future Career Bridge Bootcamp 03 in 2023, and it opened the door to my first job.

18: the dream becomes real

In September 2023, at 18 years old, I joined KIK Lanka (Pvt) Ltd as a Trainee Software Engineer. The boy who dreamed at 14 was now writing real code for real products used by professionals.

In 2024 I was promoted to Associate Software Engineer. Today I work on advanced 2D/3D electrical panel design software built with Angular, GoJS and Three.js, including real-time collaboration where many users can design together at the same time.

Working and studying at the same time

While working full time, I also completed my BSc in Software Engineering at Cardiff Metropolitan University and was named on the Honors List. It wasn't easy. Work during the day, assignments at night, and very little free time. But it taught me discipline, and that you don't have to choose between learning and doing. You can do both.

What I'd tell any young person in Sri Lanka

Start early. You don't need permission to learn. A laptop, the internet and curiosity are enough to begin.

Build things. Tutorials teach you syntax; projects teach you how to think. Build small things, then bigger things.

Take your chance when it comes. Programmes like SLASSCOM Future Career Bridge exist to find talent. Apply, prepare, and show up.

Ignore “you're too young”. Age is not a skill. What you can build is.

Never let anyone tell you that your dream is too big, or that you are too young. Start early, keep learning, and don't stop.

This is just the beginning of my story. If you're a student with the same dream, or you want to work together, I'd love to hear from you.