The Decision That Changed Everything
Chaminda Perera grew up in Kandy, the son of a schoolteacher and a seamstress. He was the first in his family to attend university, graduating with a civil engineering degree from the University of Moratuwa in 2008 — just as the global financial crisis was beginning to bite.
"There were no jobs in Sri Lanka," he recalls. "Or rather, there were jobs, but the salaries were so low that I couldn't even think about supporting my parents, let alone saving for the future. A friend who had gone to Dubai two years earlier called me and said, 'Come. There is work here.'"
The First Year: Survival Mode
Chaminda arrived in Dubai in 2009 with USD 500 in his pocket and a job offer from a mid-sized construction company. The salary — AED 4,500 per month — seemed enormous compared to what he could earn in Sri Lanka. The reality of Dubai's cost of living was a shock.
"I shared a room with three other Sri Lankans in Deira. We cooked our own food, took the bus everywhere, and sent as much money home as we could. The first year was hard. I missed my family. I missed Sri Lankan food. I missed the rain."
Building a Career, Building a Life
Chaminda's engineering skills and his willingness to work hard quickly earned him a reputation. Within three years, he had been promoted twice and was managing a team of 20 workers on a major infrastructure project. His salary had more than doubled.
"The Gulf rewards hard work in a way that Sri Lanka, at that time, could not. If you are good at your job and you show up every day and you don't complain, you will be noticed. I was noticed."
The Turning Point: Starting His Own Business
In 2018, after nearly a decade of working for others, Chaminda took the leap and established his own engineering consultancy in Dubai. The business — which provides structural engineering services to construction companies — now employs 12 people, including four other Sri Lankans.
"Starting a business in Dubai is not easy. The regulations, the costs, the competition — it is all very real. But the market is also very large. If you have a good service and you deliver on your promises, there is plenty of work."
Giving Back: Mentoring the Next Generation
Today, Chaminda is active in the Sri Lankan professional community in Dubai, mentoring young engineers who are making the same journey he made fifteen years ago. He is also investing in Sri Lanka — he recently purchased land in Kandy and is planning to build a small hotel.
"The Gulf gave me opportunities I could not have found at home. But Sri Lanka is home. I want to give something back."
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do Sri Lankan engineers need to work in Dubai?
A recognised engineering degree is essential. Many employers also require professional certification from bodies like the Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL) or international equivalents. Experience is highly valued, and many employers prefer candidates with 3–5 years of post-graduation experience.
How can Sri Lankan engineers find jobs in Dubai?
The main channels are online job portals (LinkedIn, Bayt, GulfTalent), recruitment agencies, and direct applications to construction and engineering companies. Networking through the Sri Lankan professional community in Dubai is also very effective.