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Writer's pictureVishaka Warnakulasooriya

QJ12: Journey of Kanchana Dilhara Samarakoon



Dilhara Samarakoon’s journey in the world of software quality assurance began with a spark of curiosity and a passion for perfection. Fresh out of university in Sri Lanka, she found her footing at NQUAL, where she started as a Software QA Engineer. Testing client-server applications, web portals, and a variety of systems, Dilhara quickly realized that QA wasn’t just about finding bugs—it was about ensuring the quality and reliability of products that people would depend on. In these early years, she gained hands-on experience in performance and stress testing. It was here, in a growing tech environment, that Dilhara laid the foundation for her career.


Her thirst for knowledge and drive for excellence soon took her to Calcey Technologies, one of Sri Lanka’s most reputable software development firms. As a Senior QA Engineer, she quickly established herself as a critical asset to the team, taking on challenging projects that involved different types of testing. With her sharp eye for detail and natural problem-solving ability, Dilhara’s role expanded, and she became the go-to person for managing large-scale QA projects. She was known not only for her technical expertise but also for her collaborative spirit—mentoring colleagues and constantly pushing for better solutions. Her influence was pivotal in setting the stage for Calcey’s future growth, and she was soon promoted to Head of QA.


For the next several years, Dilhara thrived in her leadership role. She grew the QA team, designed robust testing strategies, and led high-stakes projects that spanned web, mobile, and desktop platforms. Managing large teams and ensuring the delivery of high-quality software to global clients, she demonstrated that leadership is about empowering others while maintaining a laser focus on quality and results. Her work at Calcey Technologies wasn’t just about solving problems—it was about driving innovation and creating a culture of excellence. Dilhara became a respected leader within the company and the wider tech community.


Driven by her entrepreneurial spirit, Dilhara co-founded Repute Digital Services in 2020, a company designed to offer QA services. Dilhara and her team provided comprehensive testing services, from functional and regression testing to automation and performance testing. Her leadership helped Repute Digital grow, and her strategic thinking allowed clients to achieve their QA goals without compromising on quality. For aspiring QA professionals, Dilhara’s journey from QA engineer to co-founder is a reminder that with the right mindset, QA professionals can make a lasting impact not only within teams but also as entrepreneurs who redefine the standards of quality in the industry.



Dilhara’s dedication, leadership, and commitment to quality eventually brought her to Computershare UK, a large multinational company where she now serves as Lead - QA Engineering. In this role, she leads multiple QA teams and oversees the entire testing life cycle of a product that enables employee share plans. Dilhara’s work is not only about ensuring that software is reliable and performs well—it’s about creating systems that are efficient, scalable, and built for the future. She is responsible for managing cross-functional teams, implementing automation strategies, and driving continuous improvement in testing processes.


Her journey from a QA engineer in Sri Lanka to a QA Lead at a global company is a story of growth, resilience, and passion. Along the way, Dilhara has proven that success in the tech industry comes not just from technical expertise, but from the ability to lead, innovate, and inspire others. For upcoming QA professionals, Dilhara’s story is a beacon of possibility—showing that with curiosity, continuous learning, and a commitment to quality, the world of software testing can open doors to a rewarding and impactful career.


From her early days of manual testing in Sri Lanka to leading teams on the global stage, Dilhara’s career is a testament to what can be achieved with focus, perseverance, and a dedication to excellence.




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