By Hafsa Rizvi

In the heart of Sri Lanka's burgeoning tech landscape, a silent challenge lurks beneath the surface of innovative solutions and complex algorithms. As developers shape the nation's digital future with each line of code, many grapple with an invisible adversary known as Impostor Syndrome, a persistent feeling of inadequacy that whispers doubts despite evident accomplishments.

Zahra Hasan, currently pursuing her BSc (Hons) in Information Technology, highlights this feeling perfectly: "Sometimes, when I couldn't solve a problem or when a topic felt too hard, I started doubting myself and wondering if I really belonged in tech." Her experience gives a shout on what many Sri Lankan developers face, that nagging voice questioning whether we truly belong in this rapidly evolving field.

404: Confidence Not Found
The pristine office spaces and modern tech parks that dot Colombo's skyline tell only part of the story. Behind computer screens, both fresh graduates and self-taught programmers navigate an industry that can feel overwhelmingly complex.

Chamali, an Associate Software Engineer with a Bachelor's in Software Engineering, describes this challenge vividly: "It's more like holding the Tiger by the tail, we cannot escape since it [technology] is rapidly changing. We will have to somehow stick to the situation." Her analogy perfectly captures the relentless pace that many Sri Lankan developers face, where staying current feels like holding onto a tiger's tail.

The pressure to produce impeccable code, maintain pace with lightning-fast technological changes, and meet increasingly demanding expectations creates a perfect storm for self-doubt. As Chamali notes, "Tech keeps on inventing every day and every time, unlike other fields," making it particularly challenging for developers to feel truly competent.

From Doubt to Dev
What makes the Sri Lankan tech experience unique is how our developers have learned to navigate these challenges. Zahra's journey illustrates this beautifully: "Over time, I realised that a lot of students and even professionals feel the same way. Now, I try not to compare myself too much. I remind myself that learning takes time and that struggling is part of the process."

This shift in perspective from viewing struggle as a sign of inadequacy to recognising it as part of the learning process is crucial. When Zahra mentions that "when I finish a project or get positive feedback, it helps me feel more confident,” she highlights an important coping strategy that many Sri Lankan developers can relate to.

Developers Still Question Their Worth
Even seasoned professionals aren't immune to these feelings. Ilma Idrees, a Software QA Engineer with a BEng (Hons) in Software Engineering, shares her evolution: "In the early stages of my tech career, imposter syndrome was a quiet but persistent presence. Despite contributing meaningfully to projects and receiving positive feedback, I often questioned whether I had truly earned my place or if I was simply fortunate."

Her experience demonstrates that impostor syndrome doesn't discriminate based on skill level or achievements. The doubt, as she notes, "was not rooted in a lack of skill; it stemmed from underestimating my own capabilities and constantly measuring myself against others."

Niche vs. Everything Dilemma
A uniquely Sri Lankan perspective comes from Chamali's observation about specialisation: "I've worked on specific systems but not the other sectors in tech, which means sometimes I might not know certain other languages... if I compared myself to others I might not equal to their updated knowledge and that's where my syndrome situation comes."

This highlights a particular challenge in Sri Lanka's tech scene: the pressure to be well-versed across multiple technologies, while the reality is that most professionals specialise in specific areas. The fear of not knowing "everything" can be particularly acute in our close-knit tech community, where word travels fast about who knows what.

The Comeback: Local Success Stories
The path to overcoming imposter syndrome among Sri Lankan developers shows remarkable resilience and growth. Ilma's transformation exemplifies this: "Through consistent hands-on experience, ongoing learning, and a conscious effort to recognise my growth, I began to shift my perspective. I moved away from comparison and started tracking progress based on my own journey."

Her current mindset represents what many successful Sri Lankan developers achieve: "Today, I no longer let imposter syndrome define my narrative. I recognise that I have earned my space through dedication and hard work, and I continue to grow with purpose, resilience and clarity."

The Role of Feedback and Recognition
The importance of positive reinforcement in the Sri Lankan context cannot be overstated. Zahra emphasises this: "When I get positive comments and feedback from lecturers and instructors, I feel really motivated and it pushes me to keep going and believe in myself more."

This highlights how crucial supportive mentorship and constructive feedback are in our educational institutions and workplaces. The personal touch that characterises much of Sri Lankan professional relationships can be a powerful antidote to impostor syndrome.

Find Your Tribe
Sri Lanka's tech community plays a crucial role in combating impostor syndrome. Local tech meetups, whether in Colombo, Kandy, or emerging tech hubs, provide spaces where developers can share experiences like those of Zahra, Ilma, and Chamali.

As Chamali puts it, despite the challenges, "As a tech worker, I'm proud to be a part of the tech working journey since I'm learning each and every innovation." This pride in continuous learning, despite the stress it brings, reflects the resilient spirit of Sri Lankan developers.

The Lanka Mindset
What emerges from these local voices is a uniquely Sri Lankan approach to dealing with impostor syndrome, one that acknowledges the rapid changes in technology while celebrating the learning journey itself. Chamali's perspective that "There are a lot of bugs in codes and those are another way I look at as an interesting point because it's a solution for today and tomorrow" shows how Sri Lankan developers are learning to find joy in problem-solving despite the challenges.

The Dev Secrets
The experiences shared by these Sri Lankan developers offer valuable lessons:
From Zahra: "I try not to compare myself too much. I remind myself that learning takes time and that struggling is part of the process." This reminds us that comparison is often the thief of joy and progress.
From Ilma: The importance of "tracking progress based on my own journey" rather than measuring against others shows the power of self-reflection and personal growth metrics.
From Chamali: Despite acknowledging ongoing challenges with confidence, her commitment to staying in the field, "There is no escape from the industry", demonstrates the resilience that characterises many Sri Lankan tech professionals.

You Belong Here!
To every developer reading this in Sri Lanka, from the undergraduate struggling with their first algorithm to the senior developer questioning their latest architectural decision, remember that these feelings are shared across our community. As Ilma beautifully states, you have "earned your space through dedication and hard work."

The next time doubt creeps in, remember Zahra's realisation that "a lot of students and even professionals feel the same way," and Chamali's pride in being part of this ever-evolving journey. If you're writing code, solving problems, and continuously learning, despite the bugs, the late nights, and the constant changes, you're not an impostor.

You're exactly where you need to be, contributing to the vibrant future of Sri Lanka's tech ecosystem.