How IT changed my life:

'It brings new challenges every day'

Ashan Kumar met Imalka De Silva, Assistant Manager Software Development IFS Research and Development (Pvt) Limited to understand How "IT" changed his life.

Assistant Manager, Software development, IFS Research and Development (Pvt) Limited, speaking about how IT changed his life said, "My parents were Government employees and we lived in Kandy during my primary education at Dharmaraja College in Kandy. Our family moved to Colombo when I got in to Royal College when I passed the year five scholarship examination.

Assistant Manager Software Development IFS Research and Development (Pvt) Limited Imalka De Silva.

I completed my degree in Information Systems at Manchester Metropolitan University, UK where I graduated with second (upper) class honours. While I was studying for my undergraduate degree I started my career at IFS as a Trainee Software Engineer. I completed my Master of Business Administration degree last year from the Postgraduate Institute of Management, University of Sri Jayewardenepura."

I inquired about his childhood dream, "I wanted to become a pilot", he said "I was simply inspired by aircraft at that time. I got my first computer when I was in my O/L classes. Ever since I wanted a career in the field of IT," he said.

I asked him why he opted for Information Technology he said "I was fascinated by computer games initially. I started writing computer programs which supported certain computer games. I started developing my IT skills through this exercise. When I was 17 years I was selected to represent Sri Lanka at the SEARCC International Software competition held in Thailand. This was a turning point in my life where I started focusing on a career in Information Technology."

I asked him about the impact IT has made on him, "I have been working in the IT industry for over nine years which has helped to model both my personal and professional future. Working on a project based technological environment always brings new challenges each day.

This makes me continuously learn new technology and always stay up to date with the latest technology. Implementing ERP solutions for customers in different industries has given me a unique opportunity to learn diverse industries and solve problems of varying complexity. As a result I have become familiar with several industries and businesses over the years.

IT is a field which gives exposure to many other fields which benefits a person in many ways. I feel IT is one of the best industries to work.

I have already had the opportunity to provide IT solutions for retail business, manufacturing, utility business, defense as well as nuclear research. I have travelled to several remote corners of the world to provide my services to customers.

Great opportunities come with great responsibilities. If I am committed to deliver I can expect many more opportunities in the future he ended in a high note advising the next generation.

IT provides many individuals with a vast array of international cultures, working, societal enriching an individual's life and knowledge uplifting, and persona.