From Humble Beginnings to Global Tech Leadership: The Journey of a Proud SLIIT Alumnus
Dr. Chathuranga Manamendra’s story is one of resilience, vision, and transformation. Today, he stands as a seasoned professional whose journey spans digital education, programmatic advertising, aviation and defense, Fintech, recruiting technology, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) advancing from a software engineer to a manager, and extending his impact as a lecturer dedicated to empowering the next generation of innovators. Currently serving as a Software Development Manager at Amazon Canada, he leads high-performing teams in generative AI at Amazon, shaping innovation on a global scale. Yet, behind his remarkable achievements lies a journey that began with challenges, persistence, and a life-changing opportunity at SLIIT.
Growing up in a small town in
Sri Lanka, Dr. Manamendra was raised in a family that valued hard work and education above all else. Though they had little, his parents firmly believed in the power of learning to transform lives. During his advanced-level studies, he faced setbacks and fell short of his expectations. Determined to try once more, he persisted despite his family’s financial struggles. To fund his education, he took on a few odd jobs even though he wasn’t entirely convinced of its value at the time. Yet his determination to keep learning and working hard eventually laid the foundation for his future success.
With only a few months left before his next exam, he decided to give it his all. He focused, studied harder than ever, and succeeded. Shortly after, he came across an advertisement for an IT scholarship at SLIIT for students from Samurdhi families. Though he knew little about IT at the time, he decided to take the aptitude test, a decision that would change the course of his life.
Being selected for the scholarship opened a world of opportunity. At SLIIT, he pursued his B.Sc. (Special) in Information Technology, a programme he credits for providing a strong academic foundation. Beyond technical skills, it nurtured teamwork, critical thinking, and communication, qualities that later became vital in his career. However, soon after he began his studies, a government change led to the discontinuation of the scholarship scheme. It was a time of great uncertainty. Professor Lalith Gamage, Vice Chancellor and CEO of SLIIT, intervened and announced that SLIIT would continue to support students based on academic merit by offering full or half scholarships to those maintaining a certain GPA and above. That decision gave him both stability and motivation. He worked hard, earned the scholarship every semester, and discovered his true potential.
Reflecting on this period, Dr. Manamendra shared, “Joining SLIIT became my true turning point. It gave me access to quality education, supportive mentors, and opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. That environment transformed my mindset, showing me that setbacks are not the end but stepping stones. More importantly, the challenge of earning the scholarship through top results kept me on my toes, motivating me to work harder every day to achieve my dreams.”
That foundation propelled him into a career where adaptability and continuous learning became defining traits. His professional journey, spanning Hayleys IT, Pearson, zMessenger, Digital X, and IFS, exposed him to multiple industries and shaped a unique approach to leadership and problem-solving. For him, leadership is not only about clarity and collaboration but also about empowering teams to stay agile in changing environments.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, mentorship and teaching remain central to his life. Teaching had always been his dream, so he returned to SLIIT as a lecturer to give back to the place that believed in him. He views leadership and mentorship as inseparable, sharing knowledge, coaching others, and nurturing the next generation of professionals. “Guiding and empowering others not only strengthens teams,” he says, “but also keeps me grounded and continuously learning.”
In 2023, he was approached by Amazon. The interview process, he recalls, was among the toughest he had ever faced, with multiple rounds, late-night sessions, and weeks of preparation. Yet perseverance paid off. Amazon offered him a fully funded relocation package covering everything from travel to housing. It was both humbling and rewarding, a reminder of how far his journey had come.
At Amazon, where he now works at the forefront of generative AI, Dr. Manamendra has learned that true innovation goes beyond technology. His life and career continue to be guided by curiosity, resilience, and a commitment to growth. Moving from
Sri Lanka to global tech hubs required stepping beyond comfort zones and embracing uncertainty. “I’ve always believed in staying open to opportunities, focusing on long-term growth rather than short-term comfort, and holding onto values like integrity, collaboration, and impact,” he explains.
Reflecting on his journey from SLIIT to Amazon and beyond, Dr. Manamendra shares a message with aspiring young professionals:
“Dream big but stay grounded. Build strong fundamentals, be curious, and never stop learning. Technology changes fast, and adaptability is key. Don’t be afraid to take risks, step outside your comfort zone, and seek opportunities beyond borders. Most importantly, focus on creating impact rather than chasing titles, because when you solve real problems, recognition naturally follows.”
From early setbacks to leading innovation at one of the world’s most influential tech companies, Dr. Chathuranga Manamendra’s story stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, education, and vision, inspiring the next generation of
Sri Lankan professionals to make their mark on the global stage.
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