UCL Software Engineering Undergraduate Wins Excellence Award at 99X in 2021
View(s):HeshanWickremaratne, a past student from Ananda College is currently a third year Undergraduate of the prestigious University of Central Lancashire, BSc (Hons) Software Engineering degree has had the distinction of winning the “Excellence Award for the Most Outstanding Intern” at 99X I 2021.
“Heshan is without a doubt, one of the best interns I have worked with so far. As a lead developer in Superglu, I get to work with Heshan closely daily in terms of technical skills. He learnt the tech stack (React, NodeJS, Serverless, AWS) fast and started contributing to the project well. He is a fast learner with a great attitude. He is always up for a challenge and takes full ownership of the task which is assigned to him and makes sure it is 100% complete end-to-end. The code he submits is good as well. He makes sure to follow the best practices we have with the team and tests the code well before committing it for review. Heshan also proactively gives his suggestions and ideas to make the overall project better”,states Devon Wijesinghe, Senior Software Engineer at 99X.
We invited Heshan back to UCL campus to share his insights in terms of the award and how his passion was ignited to select the Software Engineering Degree Programme at UCL.
“I’m a 3rd year undergraduate at UCL in affiliation with University of Central Lancashire.I’m skilled in programming languages including, C#, C++, Java, JavaScript, Node.js, HTML and CSS. Currently I’m learning React, React-Native, Node.js, Serverless and AWS. Moreover, I enjoy designing with Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, 3D modelling and animation with Blender”, he opines.
Speaking of his foray into the dynamic world of IT he recalls how his father and mother were both and inspiration to him. “My father taught me a lot. MS Office suit and a lot about getting things around a PC. My Mother is an advanced level Physics teacher and was a mentor. At first, I thought of delving into Biology, but found that different to what I expected it to be. Sometimes I feel I should have pursued Mathematics for A/L but now I am hooked on to Software Engineering and love it”, he grins.
Since childhood computers were a passion and he developed a good knowledge of Hardware. Liked design. Loved Coding. Having obtained a B for Biology and two Cs for Physics and Chemistry, he applied to the University of Central Lancashire Software Engineering Programme as his first preference even though he was selected to Peradeniya University in Biology Stream; and has completed two years of undergraduate study seamlessly physically and on-line. Incidentally he had the distinction of being the batch-top in the First year of his Software Engineering degree programme at UCL.
He says he vouches for multi-tasking, takes part in sports and has many other hobbies in life striving to strike a balance. “In addition to project work, I see that Heshan is very active in company innovatives. (Eg: Music innovative and AWS innovative, etc.) He gets along with people well and embraces the 99X Culture”, affirms Wickramaratne.
Heshan was also instrumental in participating and helping to organise a fun event, an Open-Mike Competition which highlighted his talent as a Rapper well.
As a Trainee SE Engineer, Full Stack, Heshan works for front end and back end at 99X, enjoying his work on developing both Web Apps and Mobi Apps. “I love the work, culture, progressive attitude at 99X which is truly modern. We have a norm titled, “leaders without titles”, and it values everyone’s opinion. From the initial interview at 99X I was placed into teams that worked well for me, helping me to work productively”.
As a Z-Generation global IT Citizen, he has a liking for Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence and seems himself a catalyst in for change and innovation in Software Engineering, with a penchant for back-end.
He looks forward to deriving the best learning with Mr. ThepulGinige, Senior Lecturer / Programme Coordinator of the BSc (Hons) Software Engineering degree at Universal College Lanka in his fourth and final year and thanks his 99X team for nominating him for the accolade he received recently.
Heshan the IT world awaits more awards for innovation!
| Heshan Unplugged I am a full-stack developer, passionate 3D artist, creative coder, 14 years a swimmer and a Life saver. Programming being an art itself has given me the freedom to provide unique solutions to problems in my very own way which is one of the reasons I love it. When I’m not coding, I collect music, a lot being old school hip-hop along with any tunes with good vibrations while doing a bit of singing and beatboxing on the side. I love travelling, seeing new places and meeting new people. I absolutely cherish Sci-fi movies, tv series and reading books about them. For the past couple of months, I’ve been enjoying seeing the world without spectacles for the first time in my life after Lasik Surgery. Working at 99x has been quite intriguing since I’m always up for a challenge. This has given me the opportunity to learn many things, improve what I’ve learnt and to make new friends while working in an engaging, diverse work environment, where I was recognised and appreciated for who I really am without having to change. I truly believe in following one’s passion with a balanced lifestyle. This way working or studying will never be a burden. | |
  |
HitAd.lk is the best and biggest mobile phone market in Sri Lanka, and we guarantee you will find what you need here from our extensive listing of mobile phones for sale in Sri Lanka. Whether it’s a budget-priced smartphone for communication, or higher end features with advanced connectivity, there are many different options from which to choose from on our site!