Article 3: 33 years of sailing: Life is a Climb

I was born to upcountry parents who decided to move to the city capital, striving for a better future without any inheritance. As the first child in the family, I grew up in a modest yet supportive environment, where my hardworking engineer father and iron-hearted mother ensured that all my basic needs were met, without any extravagance. At the age of five, my world changed with the arrival of a sibling. Although I initially struggled with mixed emotions, she eventually became one of my greatest emotional supporters in life.

Throughout my academic journey, I encountered both triumphs and challenges. Passing scholarship exams and earning high marks to attend Royal College were significant achievements. However, transitioning to an English-speaking environment presented new obstacles, yet it also exposed me to individuals from diverse backgrounds. This period of cultural mingling shaped my character and worldview significantly.

Exploring various interests such as sports like rugby and table tennis, and participating in different associations, added depth to my experiences. Despite facing fluctuations in physical fitness, I maintained strong academic performance. However, despite my academic success, I faced a setback when I realized that the engineering courses I desired were unavailable in Sri Lanka, leaving me uncertain about my future path.

Afterward, I joined SAITM, with my parents generously funding my studies in mechatronics. The course was structured with two years of study in Sri Lanka followed by two years in Thailand. Returning to academia reignited my passion for sports, and I managed to excel academically, achieving a first-class GPA by the end of the first two years in Sri Lanka.

Transitioning to Thailand for the final two years of my education marked a significant milestone as it was my first experience living independently, without the support of my parents. Learning to manage my life under fixed budgets and navigating the challenges of living alone allowed me to develop invaluable life skills. Amidst the academic rigors, I also forged lifelong friendships and embraced responsibilities that came with adulthood.

Upon graduating from AIT, I returned to Sri Lanka, enriched with diverse experiences and a wealth of knowledge acquired during my time abroad. My journey through SAITM and AIT not only shaped my academic and professional trajectory but also fostered significant personal growth and development, laying a solid foundation for my future endeavors.

After completing my education, I embarked on a new chapter by joining Brandix, a prominent apparel organization in Sri Lanka, as an automation engineer. Working under the guidance of one of the brightest minds in the country, my supervising boss, I was challenged daily and had the opportunity to evolve and grow as an engineer. Despite the demanding nature of the role, I thrived in the dynamic environment, constantly pushing myself to deliver optimal results.

My hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed, as evidenced by the recognition I received from the organization. With a CEO who also hailed from my alma mater, I was entrusted with autonomy in my department to innovate and create. This newfound freedom allowed me to explore new ideas, implement cutting-edge technologies, and drive positive change within the organization. It was a period of immense professional growth and fulfillment, where I had the opportunity to make a meaningful impact and contribute to the success of the company.

After being employed for just over two years, I found myself facing a significant decision: whether to pursue a master's degree. This choice was influenced by both peer pressure and persuasion from my father. Despite rejecting offers from prestigious universities such as NUS, my father became increasingly frustrated with my reluctance to pursue further education. Although his intentions may have been well-meaning, his plans did not align with mine.

Ultimately, I decided to seize the opportunity for a master's degree, especially since the course fee was waived off. However, I remained apprehensive about balancing the financial aspects, particularly living expenses, as I was hesitant to undertake part-time work. After coming to an agreement with my parents, who promised to provide the necessary funding for living expenses in addition to my savings, I took the plunge into postgraduate studies. This decision marked a pivotal moment in my personal and professional journey, as I navigated the intersection of familial expectations and personal aspirations.

Moving to Europe was a stark contrast from my experience in Thailand. The cultural differences, coupled with higher expenses, presented significant challenges. Unlike Thailand, where I had forged close friendships, I found myself in Europe with fewer social connections. The absence of a strong social network made the transition even more daunting. Despite the initial hurdles, I remained determined to adapt and thrive in this new environment. It was a period of immense personal growth as I navigated the unfamiliar cultural landscape and sought to establish new connections and friendships.

Despite the initial challenges, I gradually acclimated to my new life in Europe. Over time, I had the opportunity to build meaningful friendships with people from diverse backgrounds, spanning various continents. Interacting with individuals from different cultures enriched my experience and broadened my perspective on the world. As I immersed myself in the local culture, I also embarked on the journey of learning German, a language vastly different from any I had encountered before. This linguistic endeavor not only facilitated communication but also deepened my understanding and appreciation of the local customs and traditions.

During my time in Europe, I discovered a newfound passion for travel, particularly solo backpacking. Armed with a Schengen visa, I embarked on a journey of exploration across the continent. Over the course of two years, I traversed through approximately 15 countries, immersing myself in the rich tapestry of cultures, landscapes, and experiences each destination had to offer. From the bustling streets of Paris to the tranquil shores of Croatia, every adventure left an indelible mark on my soul.

Traveling solo allowed me to fully embrace the spirit of adventure and independence. It provided me with the freedom to chart my own course, navigate unfamiliar territories, and connect with people from all walks of life. Each destination offered a unique blend of history, art, cuisine, and customs, fueling my curiosity and thirst for exploration.

Amidst my travels, I also discovered a newfound appreciation for beer. Sampling local brews became a delightful ritual, allowing me to savor the distinct flavors and aromas of each region. Whether enjoying a refreshing pint in a quaint Belgian tavern or sipping craft beer at a lively beer garden in Germany, I found joy in the simple pleasures of life and camaraderie shared over a shared love for beer.

In essence, my solo backpacking adventures throughout Europe not only ignited a passion for travel but also fostered personal growth, cultural immersion, and a deeper appreciation for the world around me. Each journey was a testament to the transformative power of exploration and the boundless possibilities that await those willing to venture beyond their comfort zone.

My goal upon starting my course in Europe was to complete it within the designated two years, a feat that many find challenging due to the allure of staying longer in a developed country. Despite this temptation, I remained focused on my studies and coursework, ensuring that I stayed on track to meet my target. I managed to cover all my coursework on time and achieved a decent GPA, even securing a publication and completing multiple projects along the way.

Eager to further my expertise in robotics, I seized the opportunity to apply for a thesis position at the prestigious Max Planck Institute, which boasts a rich history rooted in the work of luminaries like Einstein. My desire to delve deeper into the field led me to join a lab led by Stefan Schaal, a renowned figure in the robotics domain. Under the guidance of my supervisor, a brilliant French scientist, I gained invaluable insights and mentorship, learning the ropes and discovering the intricacies of robotics firsthand. His patience and dedication to teaching me the dos and don'ts of the field were instrumental in my growth as a researcher.

Moreover, my time at the lab provided me with the opportunity to interact and collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the robotic fraternity from around the world. Mingling with such esteemed colleagues not only broadened my horizons but also enriched my learning experience, exposing me to diverse perspectives and cutting-edge research in the field. Overall, my tenure at the Max Planck Institute was a transformative period, where I honed my skills, expanded my knowledge, and forged invaluable connections within the global robotics community.

Upon completing my project on schedule, I was afforded the incredible opportunity to work with cutting-edge robots valued at thousands of euros, a luxury not readily available to labs in my home region. Graduating two years and one month after enrolling, I found myself at a crossroads: whether to pursue the coveted 18-month job-seeking visa that many aspire to obtain, or to return to my vision of a developed Sri Lanka.

The decision weighed heavily on me as I contemplated the prospects of staying in Germany and contributing to the thriving German industry. I vividly recall the visa officer's persuasive pitch, extolling the virtues of Germany and its lucrative job market. However, true to my nature, I impulsively booked a trip to Monaco, a gesture that perhaps reflected my rebellious streak and desire to carve my own path.

Ultimately, I made the unconventional choice to cancel my visa and return to Sri Lanka just one week later. Despite the allure of staying in Europe and pursuing lucrative opportunities, my heart remained steadfast in its commitment to my homeland. It was a decision driven by a deep-rooted sense of duty and a burning desire to contribute to the development of Sri Lanka, a vision that I held close to my heart. In hindsight, while my decision may have raised eyebrows, it was a testament to my unwavering determination and conviction in following my own path, regardless of societal expectations or external pressures.

Returning to Sri Lanka after my time in Germany was a stark awakening. The stark contrast between the two environments hit me hard. In Germany, there was a clear separation between work and personal life, a concept that I had grown accustomed to. However, back home, I found myself navigating the chaotic traffic, grappling with the pervasive dishonesty in society, and struggling to rekindle the connections I had built over 26 years.

Reality began to set in as rejection letters poured in from all directions. The once-promising prospects now seemed bleak, and I felt disheartened by the harsh realities of the job market. Amidst this uncertainty, the only glimmer of hope came from my previous workplace, which graciously extended their support and considered me as one of their own. Their unwavering belief in me was a ray of light in an otherwise dim landscape, and I remain deeply grateful for the opportunity they provided.

Returning to Europe in search of what I thought I had missed, I applied for another master's program and was accepted. However, this time was different. The COVID-19 pandemic restricted interactions, and I found myself unable to recapture the sharpness I once had as an engineer. With limited motivation and a lack of purpose, I struggled to see the point in putting forth effort. Despite attempting to push through for two semesters, I ultimately made the difficult decision to cancel my visa once again and return home.

Navigating this period was incredibly challenging. I felt a deep sense of disillusionment and resentment towards everything I did. However, amidst the darkness, my school buddies were there to provide unwavering support and encouragement, helping me to keep going despite the overwhelming odds stacked against me. Tragically, during this tumultuous time, I also lost my mother to diabetes. The overwhelming numbness I felt meant that I couldn't even begin to properly grieve her loss. This period marked one of the darkest chapters of my life, as I grappled with loss, disillusionment, and a sense of hopelessness.

Returning home and reluctantly taking a job at a company connected to my father's network was a bitter pill to swallow, but I felt I had no other choice at the time. The initial six months were excruciating as self-doubt clouded my every move. However, something shifted within me. Perhaps it was luck, or maybe it was sheer determination, but gradually, things started to turn around. I regained my sharpness and confidence, and my arrogance resurfaced.

Two years later, I made the bold decision to leave the organization, having amassed the owners enough wealth to ensure I owed no debts to anyone. During this time, I reignited my passion for travel, founded and registered my own company, and even embarked on an MBA journey, sacrificing countless extra nights for the pursuit of knowledge and growth. Moving on to a larger company, I found myself sharper, more efficient, and well-connected than ever before. Despite the three-year setback, I emerged stronger, more resilient, and unapologetically confident in my abilities.

As I stand here today, uncertain of what the future holds, I am reminded of the many storms I've weathered and the countless challenges I've overcome. Yet, with each trial, I've sailed ahead, propelled by determination and a relentless pursuit of success. While the journey ahead may be fraught with uncertainties and obstacles, I am prepared to face whatever comes my way, confident in my ability to navigate through the storms and emerge stronger on the other side.