My Career Journey: From Start to Success
Discover my professional evolution, skills honed, and invaluable career insights gathered along the way. Join me as I reflect on my beginnings, growth, and the lessons learned throughout my career.
My Journey: From Childhood Dreams to Senior Fullstack Engineer
Once upon a time, in the sunny town of Jayewardenepura Kotte, Sri Lanka, I came into this world on the 6th of May, 1993. Growing up, I was the apple of my parents' eyes, the cherished only child in our family.
My journey of learning started at St John's College, Nugegoda in 1998. Those were the days filled with laughter, friendships, and a heap of extracurricular activities. Cricket, Athletics, Kandyan Dancing, Music, and Drama became my playground, shaping not just my body but also my character.
In 2006 and 2008, I captained the under 13 and under 15 cricket teams, proudly representing St John's College. I even got to play for the Colombo district teams in various tournaments. Amongst these achievements, I was also crowned the best athlete of the Dehiwala Ratmalana Zone in 2008 in my age group.
As the chapters turned, I entered a new phase at S Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia, pursuing Commerce for my GCE A/L. Even there, I continued my passion for athletics and held the prestigious position of athletics secretary in 2012.
After completing my A/Ls, I ventured into the world of Information Technology, starting my Bachelor's journey in 2013. However, the path wasn't smooth sailing. I faced challenges and hurdles that slowed me down. It took me eight years to complete my degree due to various reasons.
But amidst the struggles, I found my calling as a full-stack developer. Over five years in the industry, I immersed myself in technologies like Java, Spring Boot, Node.js, microservices, Angular, and Vue.js. Despite being a slow learner initially, with the help of friends and different learning techniques, I overcame my shortcomings and grew into a proficient developer.
My thirst for knowledge led me to switch jobs frequently, seeking new experiences and domains. Though it tarnished my CV, I stand proud of my journey. Each step taught me invaluable lessons and molded me into the Senior Java Developer I am today.
Now, I find myself happily settled in the UAE, but my journey doesn't end here. Like a sailor seeking new horizons, I continue to explore, learn, and grow in the ever-evolving world of technology.
Tech Proficiency
Explore my proficiency in various technologies and tools, from programming languages to development frameworks. Learn how I leverage these skills to tackle challenges, innovate, and create impactful solutions.
My Frontend Development Odyssey: From JSF to Tailwind CSS
My journey into frontend development began in 2017 with Java Server Faces (JSF), where my foundational knowledge of HTML and CSS helped me ease into the realm of web development. Transitioning to Angular.js in 2018 marked a significant shift, offering me exposure to a modern frontend framework. Starting with Angular 4 and progressing to Angular 6, I honed my skills while leveraging Bootstrap CSS for styling and components.
In 2020, I continued my Angular journey, this time with Angular 8 and Material CSS, further solidifying my expertise in frontend development. However, it was in 2021 that I discovered my favorites: Tailwind CSS, Vue.js, and Nuxt.js. Embracing Tailwind's simplicity and utility-first approach, combined with the flexibility of Vue.js and the power of Nuxt.js, became my preferred toolkit for frontend projects.
HTML
100%CSS
100%Vue.js
90%Nuxt.js
85%Svelte
70%React.js
60%Tailwind
80%Bootstrap
70%Embarking on a Backend Odyssey: From Java EJB to Node.js
My journey into backend development commenced in 2017, fueled by a fervent passion for Java. As a trainee Java full-stack developer, I embarked on my career, delving into the intricate world of enterprise Java beans (EJB) projects. This initial experience laid the groundwork for my future endeavors, instilling in me a deep understanding of Java's capabilities.
In 2018, I transitioned to the realm of microservices, embarking on a Spring Boot microservice project. Here, I embraced the API Gateway design pattern, leveraging Spring Security for robust authentication and authorization. This project served as a stepping stone, paving the way for my continued growth and exploration in backend development.
Java
95%Spring Boot
80%Node.js
95%Nest.js
85%GraphQL
80%gRPC
70%AWS
65%Azure
60%Navigating Database Realms: From MySQL to PostgreSQL
My database journey began with MySQL, serving as a reliable companion throughout my early education and the initial years of my career. However, as I delved deeper into backend development, I encountered MySQL's limitations, particularly in handling complex queries and transactions.
In 2019, I made the transition to PostgreSQL, drawn by its robust feature set and superior performance. PostgreSQL addressed many of MySQL's shortcomings, offering enhanced support for complex queries, transactions, and data integrity constraints. This shift marked a significant milestone, simplifying development processes and making database management seamless.
PostgreSQL
80%MySQL
85%MongoDB
90%Firebase (Realtime Database)
75%Exploring Architectural Horizons: From Monolithic to Microservices
My architectural journey commenced with a monolithic Java EJB application, marking my first steps into the world of software development. Powered by NetBeans and JSF for frontend operations, this foundational experience laid the groundwork for my future endeavors.
In 2018, I ventured into microservices, embracing the Spring Boot framework to design projects around the API Gateway pattern. This transition introduced me to the principles of service-oriented architecture, focusing on modularity and scalability.
Microseervices
88%Serverless
50%Monalithic
75%Embracing Cloud Computing: A Journey Through Azure and AWS
My journey into cloud computing began in 2021 with Azure, marking my first foray into the realm of cloud services. Azure introduced me to a myriad of services, including Azure IDP and Azure Cloud DB, laying the groundwork for my understanding of cloud computing.
The opportunity to work with AWS soon followed, offering me a deeper dive into the expansive world of cloud technologies. From AWS Lambda functions to AppSync, Cognito, SNS, SES, SQS, and RDS, each service broadened my horizons and expanded my skill set within the AWS ecosystem.
AWS
65%Azure
60%Career Journey
Explore my dynamic career journey, navigating diverse technologies to drive innovation and craft impactful solutions. Join me in charting a path through software engineering, fueled by passion and a commitment to excellence.
Informap Technology Center LLC - Sharjah,UAE
As a Senior Java Engineer at Informap, I find myself at the nexus of maintaining established software products and driving innovation in new development projects. While my earlier experiences in Sri Lanka exposed me to cutting-edge technologies, my current role in the UAE presents a unique opportunity to revisit older technologies and apply my expertise to enhance existing systems.
In my current position, I oversee two projects developed with Java EJB, Hibernate, Angular.js, and Servlet technologies. My responsibilities include implementing new features, addressing support team-reported issues, and ensuring the smooth operation of these systems. Additionally, I am actively involved in a new project leveraging Java Spring Boot, React, and microservices architecture. This project allows me to share my past experiences and knowledge with colleagues, guiding them in areas such as DevOps practices and design patterns selection.
Looking ahead, my focus is on implementing the lessons learned from the new project across all systems at Informap. By leveraging my skill set and expertise, I aim to propel Informap to new heights, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of technological innovation and excellence in software development.
Senior Software Engineer, i4T Labs - Colombo, Sri Lanka
As a Senior Software Engineer at i4T Labs, I spearhead the transformation of WordPress-based websites and web applications into cutting-edge headless front-end applications using Nuxt.js and Strapi. Leading the web development team, my responsibilities extend to designing application architecture and deployment strategies geared towards enhancing SEO, loading speed, and overall user experience. Through meticulous attention to detail and expertise in technologies like Nuxt.js, Vue.js, and Docker, I ensure that our solutions are optimized for responsiveness and application performance.
In addition to driving the transition to headless applications, I play a pivotal role in developing SAAS solutions within a microservice architecture. Collaborating closely with backend developers, I contribute to implementing new features and optimizing existing code. Leveraging a diverse array of technologies such as MySQL, Node.js, and GraphQL, I strive to deliver solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients while adhering to best practices in software development.
Throughout my tenure, I've achieved significant milestones, including an impressive 80% improvement in web application responsiveness and a remarkable 70% reduction in loading speed. By eliminating development blockers and reducing issue count by 25%, I've streamlined our processes and enhanced overall project efficiency. Furthermore, my contributions have led to a substantial 60% improvement in the performance of our SAAS application, marking a significant leap forward in our capabilities. I take pride in overcoming the limitations of monolithic applications, paving the way for a more efficient and streamlined system that delivers exceptional user experiences.
Senior Software Engineer, Arimac Lanka (Pvt) Ltd - Colombo, Sri Lanka
As a Senior Software Engineer at Arimac, I thrived in the dynamic environment of SAAS product development, leveraging a diverse tech stack including Nuxt.js, Vue.js, Java, Spring Boot, and MongoDB. In my role, I led a dedicated team of three individuals, steering our focus towards elevating front-end development standards to ensure unparalleled responsiveness and user experience optimization. Through strategic restructuring of components and layouts, coupled with meticulous codebase cleanup and the construction of reusable components, we achieved a significant overhaul aimed at enhancing the mobile-friendliness and overall performance of our product.
My tenure at Arimac was marked by notable achievements, with our collective efforts resulting in a remarkable 75% improvement in responsiveness and a 50% reduction in loading speed. Furthermore, our commitment to optimization initiatives led to a notable 35% decrease in overall development blockers and issue count. These achievements underscored the success of our collaborative efforts in driving tangible improvements across our projects, reinforcing our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that prioritize user satisfaction and operational excellence.
Software Engineer, Epic Lanka Technologies (Pvt) Ltd - Colombo, Sri Lanka
During my tenure as a Software Engineer at Epic Lanka Technologies, I embarked on an exciting journey of research and development, contributing to the creation of a dynamic workflow and document management SAAS product. Collaborating within a small yet highly skilled cross-functional team of six members, I leveraged a diverse array of technologies including Java, Spring Boot, Angular, and microservices to bring our vision to life. My primary focus revolved around building essential components such as the user management service and core service, which formed the backbone of our product's functionality.
One of my key achievements during this time was the successful implementation of 100% secure communication between microservices, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of data transmission. Additionally, I spearheaded the design and development of an intuitive admin panel, empowering users to configure system settings and manage permissions effortlessly. Through the implementation of robust security measures, including OAuth2 authentication and role-based authorization, I ensured that our product remained safeguarded against unauthorized access, bolstering user confidence and trust in our platform.
Overall, my journey at Epic was characterized by a relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation, as we worked tirelessly to deliver a product that not only met but exceeded the expectations of our clients. Through strategic planning, meticulous execution, and unwavering dedication, we transformed ideas into reality, leaving a lasting impact on the world of SAAS solutions.
Software Engineer, Zincat Technologies - Colombo, Sri Lanka
During my tenure at Zincat Technologies, I had the unique opportunity to contribute to a transformative project at Epic Lanka as a software engineer. Tasked with building a user management module for a cloud-based SAAS platform, I embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and determination. Leveraging my expertise in Java, Spring Security, and Spring Auth Server, I successfully constructed an OAuth2 authentication module that ensured robust security measures for user access. Additionally, I implemented role-based authorization mechanisms to govern API and front-end module accessibility, further enhancing the platform's security and usability.
My efforts and achievements at Zincat Technologies did not go unnoticed, as my contributions caught the attention of Epic Lanka. Recognizing my skills and performance, I was offered a full-time position at Epic Lanka, marking a significant milestone in my career journey. This transition underscored the value of my demonstrated expertise and accomplishments during my tenure at Zincat Technologies, reaffirming my commitment to delivering innovative solutions and driving impactful change in the realm of software development.
Associate Software Engineer, Australian Strategic Partnership - Colombo, Sri Lanka
During my tenure as an Associate Software Engineer at Australian Strategic Partnership, I played a vital role in ensuring the smooth functioning of systems through meticulous system maintenance, bug fixing, and the development of new features. A key focus of my work was on bolstering code quality and reliability by advocating for the implementation of rigorous unit tests, ultimately achieving an impressive code coverage of over 80%. Additionally, I actively contributed to enhancing the user experience by crafting responsive UI components for new features, thereby elevating the overall usability and appeal of the software.
My efforts yielded significant achievements during my time at Australian Strategic Partnership. Notably, I successfully spearheaded initiatives that resulted in a notable reduction of development bugs by 40%, underscoring my commitment to delivering high-quality, bug-free software solutions. Furthermore, achieving an exemplary code coverage of over 80% reflected my dedication to upholding stringent standards of code quality and reliability. These accomplishments underscored my capabilities as a software engineer and reinforced my commitment to excellence in every aspect of my work.
Informap Technology Center LLC - Sharjah,UAE
Oct, 2023 - Present
As a Senior Java Engineer at Informap, I find myself at the nexus of maintaining established software products and driving innovation in new development projects. While my earlier experiences in Sri Lanka exposed me to cutting-edge technologies, my current role in the UAE presents a unique opportunity to revisit older technologies and apply my expertise to enhance existing systems.
In my current position, I oversee two projects developed with Java EJB, Hibernate, Angular.js, and Servlet technologies. My responsibilities include implementing new features, addressing support team-reported issues, and ensuring the smooth operation of these systems. Additionally, I am actively involved in a new project leveraging Java Spring Boot, React, and microservices architecture. This project allows me to share my past experiences and knowledge with colleagues, guiding them in areas such as DevOps practices and design patterns selection.
Looking ahead, my focus is on implementing the lessons learned from the new project across all systems at Informap. By leveraging my skill set and expertise, I aim to propel Informap to new heights, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of technological innovation and excellence in software development.
Senior Software Engineer, i4T Labs - Colombo, Sri Lanka
Nov, 2022 - Aug, 2023
As a Senior Software Engineer at i4T Labs, I spearhead the transformation of WordPress-based websites and web applications into cutting-edge headless front-end applications using Nuxt.js and Strapi. Leading the web development team, my responsibilities extend to designing application architecture and deployment strategies geared towards enhancing SEO, loading speed, and overall user experience. Through meticulous attention to detail and expertise in technologies like Nuxt.js, Vue.js, and Docker, I ensure that our solutions are optimized for responsiveness and application performance.
In addition to driving the transition to headless applications, I play a pivotal role in developing SAAS solutions within a microservice architecture. Collaborating closely with backend developers, I contribute to implementing new features and optimizing existing code. Leveraging a diverse array of technologies such as MySQL, Node.js, and GraphQL, I strive to deliver solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients while adhering to best practices in software development.
Throughout my tenure, I've achieved significant milestones, including an impressive 80% improvement in web application responsiveness and a remarkable 70% reduction in loading speed. By eliminating development blockers and reducing issue count by 25%, I've streamlined our processes and enhanced overall project efficiency. Furthermore, my contributions have led to a substantial 60% improvement in the performance of our SAAS application, marking a significant leap forward in our capabilities. I take pride in overcoming the limitations of monolithic applications, paving the way for a more efficient and streamlined system that delivers exceptional user experiences.
Senior Software Engineer, Arimac Lanka (Pvt) Ltd - Colombo, Sri Lanka
Mar, 2021 - Nov, 2022
As a Senior Software Engineer at Arimac, I thrived in the dynamic environment of SAAS product development, leveraging a diverse tech stack including Nuxt.js, Vue.js, Java, Spring Boot, and MongoDB. In my role, I led a dedicated team of three individuals, steering our focus towards elevating front-end development standards to ensure unparalleled responsiveness and user experience optimization. Through strategic restructuring of components and layouts, coupled with meticulous codebase cleanup and the construction of reusable components, we achieved a significant overhaul aimed at enhancing the mobile-friendliness and overall performance of our product.
My tenure at Arimac was marked by notable achievements, with our collective efforts resulting in a remarkable 75% improvement in responsiveness and a 50% reduction in loading speed. Furthermore, our commitment to optimization initiatives led to a notable 35% decrease in overall development blockers and issue count. These achievements underscored the success of our collaborative efforts in driving tangible improvements across our projects, reinforcing our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that prioritize user satisfaction and operational excellence.
Software Engineer, Epic Lanka Technologies (Pvt) Ltd - Colombo, Sri Lanka
Mar, 2020 - Mar, 2021
During my tenure as a Software Engineer at Epic Lanka Technologies, I embarked on an exciting journey of research and development, contributing to the creation of a dynamic workflow and document management SAAS product. Collaborating within a small yet highly skilled cross-functional team of six members, I leveraged a diverse array of technologies including Java, Spring Boot, Angular, and microservices to bring our vision to life. My primary focus revolved around building essential components such as the user management service and core service, which formed the backbone of our product's functionality.
One of my key achievements during this time was the successful implementation of 100% secure communication between microservices, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of data transmission. Additionally, I spearheaded the design and development of an intuitive admin panel, empowering users to configure system settings and manage permissions effortlessly. Through the implementation of robust security measures, including OAuth2 authentication and role-based authorization, I ensured that our product remained safeguarded against unauthorized access, bolstering user confidence and trust in our platform.
Overall, my journey at Epic was characterized by a relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation, as we worked tirelessly to deliver a product that not only met but exceeded the expectations of our clients. Through strategic planning, meticulous execution, and unwavering dedication, we transformed ideas into reality, leaving a lasting impact on the world of SAAS solutions.
Software Engineer, Zincat Technologies - Colombo, Sri Lanka
Sep, 2019 - Feb, 2020
During my tenure at Zincat Technologies, I had the unique opportunity to contribute to a transformative project at Epic Lanka as a software engineer. Tasked with building a user management module for a cloud-based SAAS platform, I embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and determination. Leveraging my expertise in Java, Spring Security, and Spring Auth Server, I successfully constructed an OAuth2 authentication module that ensured robust security measures for user access. Additionally, I implemented role-based authorization mechanisms to govern API and front-end module accessibility, further enhancing the platform's security and usability.
My efforts and achievements at Zincat Technologies did not go unnoticed, as my contributions caught the attention of Epic Lanka. Recognizing my skills and performance, I was offered a full-time position at Epic Lanka, marking a significant milestone in my career journey. This transition underscored the value of my demonstrated expertise and accomplishments during my tenure at Zincat Technologies, reaffirming my commitment to delivering innovative solutions and driving impactful change in the realm of software development.
Associate Software Engineer, Australian Strategic Partnership - Colombo, Sri Lanka
Sep, 2017 - Aug, 2019
During my tenure as an Associate Software Engineer at Australian Strategic Partnership, I played a vital role in ensuring the smooth functioning of systems through meticulous system maintenance, bug fixing, and the development of new features. A key focus of my work was on bolstering code quality and reliability by advocating for the implementation of rigorous unit tests, ultimately achieving an impressive code coverage of over 80%. Additionally, I actively contributed to enhancing the user experience by crafting responsive UI components for new features, thereby elevating the overall usability and appeal of the software.
My efforts yielded significant achievements during my time at Australian Strategic Partnership. Notably, I successfully spearheaded initiatives that resulted in a notable reduction of development bugs by 40%, underscoring my commitment to delivering high-quality, bug-free software solutions. Furthermore, achieving an exemplary code coverage of over 80% reflected my dedication to upholding stringent standards of code quality and reliability. These accomplishments underscored my capabilities as a software engineer and reinforced my commitment to excellence in every aspect of my work.
The Blog
Stay up-to-date with the latest insights, tips, and tutorials on tech, programming, career development, and more. Explore a diverse range of topics curated to inform, inspire, and empower you on your journey.
Avoid props drilling in VueJs
In Vuejs, we commonly use Props. But in more complex scenarios like components tree, we use Provide/Inject.
Sathya Molagoda - August 10, 2023
Choosing the Right CSS Framework: A Comprehensive Guide to UnoCSS, TailwindCSS, and Bootstrap CSS
Discover the best CSS framework for your project! Read this comparison of UnoCSS, TailwindCSS, and Bootstrap CSS, and choose the right one for your needs.
Sathya Molagoda - March 17, 2024
Cutting-Edge Technologies for Building SaaS
Learn about the latest technologies in SaaS development, including serverless architecture, microservices, Kubernetes, GraphQL, AI/ML, serverless databases
Sathya Molagoda - August 10, 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
How long have you been shaping the tech landscape?
I've been shaping the tech landscape for over seven years, embarking on a journey that started with backend Java development and gradually transitioned into fullstack development and cloud computing.
You've journeyed through several companies—what's the tale behind these transitions?
My journey through various companies reflects my quest for new experiences and challenges. Each transition provided me with opportunities to expand my skill set, work with different technologies, and contribute to diverse projects, ultimately enriching my professional journey.
From Java to Node.js—what inspired this leap?
The leap from Java to Node.js was inspired by a desire to explore new technologies and broaden my expertise. Node.js offered a lightweight, flexible, and scalable solution for backend development, aligning with my development philosophy and empowering me to craft innovative solutions.
Why the fascination with headless technology?
The fascination with headless technology stems from its ability to decouple the frontend presentation layer from the backend logic, offering greater flexibility, scalability, and performance. By adopting headless architectures, I can deliver seamless user experiences across various platforms while simplifying development and maintenance processes.
Why not stay put in one company for the long haul?
Rather than staying put in one company for the long haul, I've chosen to embrace new opportunities and challenges, seeking growth and advancement in my career. Each company I've worked for has offered unique experiences and learning opportunities, contributing to my professional development and helping me evolve as a technologist.
What's the secret behind your ever-evolving expertise?
The secret behind my ever-evolving expertise lies in my commitment to continuous learning and exploration. I embrace new technologies, methodologies, and best practices, staying abreast of the latest advancements in the tech industry. Additionally, I leverage my experiences from previous roles and projects to inform and guide my approach, ensuring that I can adapt to the evolving demands of the tech landscape.