How to Be a Software Engineer in Sri Lanka
How to Be a Software Engineer
(Simple, step-by-step guide for students and career changers)
Introduction
Do you love computers, problem-solving, and creating apps or websites? If yes, software engineering might be the perfect job for you. In Sri Lanka, this is one of the best careers today. You can earn well, work with
international clients, and even work from home.
This guide will explain everything you need — in simple English — to become a software engineer in Sri Lanka.
Step 1: Finish Your School Education
Before anything, you need to finish your Ordinary Level (O/L) and Advanced Level (A/L) exams.
✅ What Subjects Should You Do for A/L?
You can choose:
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Maths stream (best option)
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Technology stream (also good)
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Bio/Science stream (optional but possible)
Doing Combined Mathematics will help a lot, especially if you want to get into a government university.
Step 2: Choose the Right Higher Education Path
There are 3 main paths you can follow:
Path 1: Government University (Free Education)
If your A/L results are good, you can apply to a government university.
Popular Degrees:
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BSc in Computer Science
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BSc in Software Engineering
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BEng in Computer Engineering
Top Government Universities:
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University of Sri Jayewardenepura – Department of Computer Science
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Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) – Good for distance learners
This is the cheapest and most respected path, but hard to enter.
Path 2: Private Institutes & Universities
If you don’t get into a government university, don’t worry. Many private universities offer excellent degrees.
Popular Courses:
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BSc (Hons) in Software Engineering
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BSc (Hons) in Computer Science
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Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT)
Trusted Private Institutes:
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SLIIT (Malabe)
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IIT – Informatics Institute of Technology
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NIBM – National Institute of Business Management
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APIIT – in partnership with foreign universities
These degrees are usually from UK/Australian universities.
Path 3: Self-Study + Online Courses
You can learn from home using the internet. If you are self-motivated, this is a good choice.
Free & Paid Platforms:
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freeCodeCamp.org – free, excellent for beginners
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Coursera – has university-style courses
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Udemy – affordable courses in Sinhala & English
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edX – Harvard/MIT-style lessons
You can still get certificates, build your portfolio, and apply for jobs.
What You Will Learn as a Software Engineer
You will need to study these main areas:
| Area | Example Tools/Languages |
|---|---|
| Programming | Python, Java, C++, JavaScript |
| Web Development | HTML, CSS, React, Node.js |
| Mobile App Development | Flutter, React Native, Kotlin |
| Databases | MySQL, MongoDB, Firebase |
| Software Design | Architecture, UML |
| Algorithms & Data Structures | Sorting, Searching |
| Version Control | Git, GitHub |
It’s not just coding — you also learn how to solve problems and build real apps.
Extra Tips to Be Successful
Here’s how you can become a top software engineer in Sri Lanka:
✅ 1. Build Projects
Start creating apps, websites, or games. Employers love real experience.
✅ 2. Make a GitHub Profile
Post your code online — this is your digital CV.
✅ 3. Join a Community
Facebook groups, LinkedIn, Reddit, or meetups help you find jobs and advice.
✅ 4. Apply for Internships
Try for internships during or after your degree. You’ll learn fast in real companies.
✅ 5. Keep Learning
Technology changes all the time. Always take new online courses and read tech blogs.
Job Opportunities in Sri Lanka
Once you're qualified, you can apply for jobs like:
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Junior Software Engineer
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Web Developer
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App Developer
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Front-End / Back-End Developer
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QA Engineer (Quality Testing)
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DevOps Engineer
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Game Developer
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AI / Machine Learning Engineer (advanced)
Top Companies Hiring in Sri Lanka:
Normal Salary Range ( This might be depend on your experience, qualification and company background)
Starting salary: Rs. 60,000 – Rs. 150,000
Senior salary: Rs. 200,000 – Rs. 600,000+
Work Internationally or Freelance
After a few years, you can:
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Work remotely for foreign companies
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Move abroad for better jobs (Canada, UK, Australia)
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Become a freelancer on Upwork or Fiverr
Many Sri Lankan software engineers earn USD salaries from home!
Final Thoughts
Becoming a software engineer in Sri Lanka is a smart and rewarding career. You don’t need to be a genius — just be curious, hardworking, and ready to learn.
✅ Summary
| Step | What You Do |
|---|---|
| 1. O/L & A/L | Choose Maths/Tech stream |
| 2. Higher Education | Govt university, private campus, or online |
| 3. Learn to Code | Focus on Python, JavaScript, HTML/CSS |
| 4. Build Projects | Create apps/websites and upload to GitHub |
| 5. Get Experience | Internships or freelance jobs |
| 6. Apply for Jobs | Join local or global companies |