In the ever-evolving landscape of global technology, Chathurika Wickramasinghe stands out as a force of innovation, inclusivity, and resilience. As the Managing Director and Co-Founder of Adventa Holdings (Pvt) Ltd., her journey from Sri Lanka to leading tech ventures across Australia and the UAE reflects not only her entrepreneurial acumen but also her unwavering belief in purpose-driven leadership.
At a time when women in tech remain underrepresented, particularly in South Asia, Chathurika has carved out a space not just for herself but for many young women dreaming of careers in technology. Her voice resonates far beyond boardrooms and development teams; it champions equity, flexible work, and sustainable innovation. In this exclusive interview, Chathurika opens up about her motivations, her strategies for growth, the challenges of co-leading a company with her husband, and how she’s using her platform to build a more empowered and inclusive future; one line of code and one opportunity at a time.
Q You chose to enter the tech industry at a time when women were, and still are, underrepresented. What motivated you to break that barrier, and what keeps you in this space today?
I was drawn to technology because I saw how powerfully it could transform industries; education, healthcare, you name it. Even though the industry lacked female voices, I felt I couldn’t wait around for change. If I wanted different results, I had to take a different path. What keeps me in this space is the challenge, the constant innovation, and most importantly, the global impact of the work we do. Every new project feels like a chance to solve a real problem.
Q How do you think technology can be a tool for women’s financial independence, especially in South Asian societies where gender roles are still rigid?
Tech breaks down traditional barriers, it allows women to work from anywhere and earn on their own terms. I’ve seen so many capable women step back from their careers after having children simply because traditional workplaces don’t offer flexibility. In tech, deliverable-based models and remote work create space for women to balance both family and career. Freelance and contract work let them choose what fits their schedule. This independence allows women to grow professionally, contribute to their families, and remain financially empowered, all without having to compromise.
Sri Lanka has so much untapped talent. What we need is better access to funding, startup-friendly regulations, and R&D incentives
Q Adventa has expanded beyond Sri Lanka to Australia and the UAE. What strategies did you use to scale globally while managing local constraints?
From day one, we built our products to meet global standards. That mindset gave us an edge. We used rapid development technologies and looked toward markets with stronger purchasing power. Locally, we kept things lean focused on remote teams, invested in digital tools, and avoided unnecessary overhead. That combination of global ambition and local agility helped us scale smartly.
Q You and your husband manage distinct areas of the company. What’s the secret to balancing personal and professional life while co-leading a fast-paced tech business?
The key for us has been clarity and respect. From the beginning, we divided our roles, Udana handles tech development, and I oversee business operations. We respect each other’s space and avoid overlapping unnecessarily. For example, when he’s working on system architecture, I know he’s in a deep, focused zone. I don’t interrupt him; I just handle everything around him so he can stay in that flow. We’re also very intentional about switching off. Once we’re home, we stop talking about work. We cook, watch Netflix, travel; those little things matter. It keeps us connected beyond just being co-founders. Finding that rhythm has helped us grow both our business and our relationship.
Q You oversee non-tech operations like HR, Finance, and CSR. How do you use your leadership position to ensure inclusive growth within your team, especially for young women professionals?
I believe inclusion starts with making people feel seen, heard, and supported; especially young women, who often hesitate to step into leadership roles. At Adventa, I personally mentor many of them. We assign them to meaningful projects and encourage them to take ownership and lead with confidence. I’ve also built a company culture that genuinely feels like family. When someone’s in a tight spot, the rest of the team steps up. To celebrate this, I started a peer-nomination lottery. If someone helps a colleague through a challenge, they can be nominated for a monthly draw. Winners get gift vouchers, but more importantly, it creates positive energy. We also support our leaders with benefits like company vehicles and fuel allowances. But I never force anyone to work from the office. Everyone chooses what works for them, on-site or remote. Flexibility drives satisfaction, and in tech, that’s crucial.
Q What advice would you give to young girls in Sri Lanka, or anywhere, who dream of entering the tech industry but feel discouraged or isolated?
Believe in your dreams, even if no one else does at first. Tech isn’t about gender. It’s about curiosity, problem-solving, and perseverance. You might feel isolated, but there are communities out there, mentors, and resources. Start small. Build your skills. Keep going. Your resilience will be your greatest strength.
Q Adventa is known for its speed and innovation. In your view, how can Sri Lanka better support tech entrepreneurs to foster a stronger innovation ecosystem?
Sri Lanka has so much untapped talent. What we need is better access to funding, startup-friendly regulations, and R&D incentives. We also need more innovation hubs and structured training programs. But beyond that, we need a mindset shift. I feel strongly about this, local institutions, especially the government, should prioritize Sri Lankan tech products over foreign ones. We’re exporting brilliant solutions internationally, yet our own organizations often overlook local capabilities. Choosing Sri Lankan tech is not just patriotic, it’s practical. It keeps money in the country, builds confidence, and supports long-term growth.
Q Many women entrepreneurs in tech struggle with funding and visibility. What practical steps do you think governments or private sector leaders can take to change this?
Governments need to create targeted funding programs for women-led startups. We also need visibility, trade missions, exhibitions, pitch events, where women’s innovations are showcased. Incubators should be designed with inclusivity in mind. Private sector leaders should invest in women-led innovation not just as CSR, but as a smart business move. Market access is also critical. Even the best product can fail without its first client. If we build strong professional networks for women, we give them the traction they need to grow sustainable businesses.
Q How important is mentorship for women in tech, and have you had any mentors who shaped your journey? Do you see yourself mentoring the next generation?
Mentorship makes a world of difference. It helps you navigate both technical and emotional challenges. I didn’t have formal mentors, but I learned from peers, from industry leaders, and from trial and error. Today, I mentor young women whenever I can. Some of them just need someone to say, “I see you. You’ve got this.” Eventually, I’d love to build a structured mentorship program that reaches even more women.
Q Looking ahead, what role do you want Adventa to play, not just in the tech world, but in creating a more equitable and empowered society for women?
I want Adventa to be known not just for the quality of our products, but for how we empower people; especially women. Around 48% of our workforce is female, and many of them work remotely from rural areas. They perform just as well as anyone at HQ. Flexibility is a right here, not a reward. As a female MD, I know how important it is to create that platform, where women can be software engineers, team leads, even future founders. Watching them grow is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. We’re not just writing code at Adventa. We’re rewriting the story for what a woman in tech can look like. And if that creates even a ripple of change in our society, then I’ll know we’ve done something meaningful.
Chathurika Wickramasinghe is not just building software; she’s building a movement. By blending innovation with inclusivity, she is proving that technology, when used mindfully, can change lives. Her leadership at Adventa is paving the way for more women to enter and thrive in tech, redefining what it means to lead with purpose in the digital age.
RAPID FIRE ROUND
- Code or Strategy? Strategy
- Your biggest strength in one word? Resilient
- One tech tool you can’t live without? GenAI tools
- Coffee or Tea during a busy workday? Tea
- An entrepreneur you admire? Jack Ma
- First thing you do when you wake up? Have a strong cup of tea
- Work-from-home or office vibes? Office vibes
- One word to describe Sri Lankan women in tech? Talented
- A quote you live by? Never give up, no matter how many times you fall, you can always rise and reach the place you once dreamed of.
- If you had to pitch Adventa in three words; what would they be? Innovative. Fast. Empowering.
