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After 21 years in the United States, Harsha made the decision to return to Sri Lanka with his family. It wasn't a single moment that made him feel he was truly home—it was the accumulation of small, meaningful experiences during those first few weeks back.
"Within that short time, I attended my son's first day at Royal College, celebrated a close friend's wedding, and enjoyed the Royal–Thomian big match," he recalls. Each experience reminded him of the warmth and sense of community he'd been missing.
Humidity, Traffic, and the Art of Letting Go
Like many returnees, Harsha initially thought he'd handle everything the American way—no household help, complete independence. Reality had other plans.
"The humidity sounds trivial, but it really affects you," he laughs. "Plus, the number of small hurdles you have to clear to get things done day to day can be draining." His advice? Get help where you can, whether it's house chores, driving, or errands. And if possible, live closer to work and school—the traffic during rush hours isn't something you want to underestimate.
How Networking in a Small Island Pays Off
Harsha didn't rush into work immediately. He gave himself two and a half months to settle in and breathe before diving back into his career. With a background in hardware product engineering, he knew finding something similar in Sri Lanka wouldn't be straightforward.
"Through networking, I came across a few companies doing work in that space and eventually joined one to lead an engineering team," he explains. His advice for job seekers? Don't hesitate to reach out on LinkedIn or use platforms like Work In Sri Lanka to connect. "Colombo is small enough that you'll almost always find a connection or two that leads somewhere meaningful."
For Harsha, working in Sri Lanka isn't just about meeting financial needs—it's about giving back. "I see it as a way to share the experience and knowledge gained abroad and help strengthen the local engineering ecosystem."
What You Lose, What You Gain
What does he miss most? "Cheap wine from Napa," he jokes. But on a serious note, Harsha recognizes that both countries have their trade-offs. The U.S. offered structure and predictability that made daily life smoother. Sri Lanka, while more unpredictable, has given him something invaluable: stronger family connections and a less stressful work environment.
The surprise bonus? Weekend getaways. "Within 4–6 hours from Colombo, you can be in the cool hill country or on pristine beaches. It makes spontaneous trips incredibly easy."
School Transitions and Pleasant Surprises
Perhaps the biggest relief for Harsha was watching his children adapt. Despite the initial language barrier, they made friends easily and adjusted to school life faster than he'd imagined. "That was a huge relief for us as parents."
When asked what he'd tell someone moving back tomorrow, Harsha's response is reassuring: "You might feel anxious as the day gets closer, but remember, you're coming home to a familiar place. You'll likely find a stronger support system here in Sri Lanka than you realize."