Inside Sri Lanka's Tech Side Hustle Boom

DOUBLE SHIFT, DOUBLE DREAM

- BY HAFSA RIZVI

In the bustling tech hubs of Colombo and beyond, a quiet revolution is taking place. After clocking out from their 9-to-5 jobs, software engineers, QA specialists, and IT professionals across Sri Lanka are firing up their laptops for round two. Welcome to the world of moonlighting where your side hustle might just become your main character moment.

From Chamali's content creation dreams to fuel her parents’ lifestyles to Shalik’s entrepreneurial journey that led him to CEO status, Sri Lankan tech professionals are redefining what it means to have a career in 2025. But is burning the candle at both ends worth it? Let's dive into the digital trenches where ambition meets opportunity.

The Lankan Hustle: More Than Just Extra Rupees

“I want to give a luxury life to my parents and our main salary is not quite enough,” shares Chamali, a 26-year-old Associate Software Engineer who's juggling content creation, YouTube videos, and tutoring alongside her full-time role. Her story echoes across WhatsApp groups and office corridors island-wide, young professionals looking at their peers in non-tech fields living seemingly more comfortable lives and wondering, “How do I bridge this gap?”

The reality hits hard when you're comparing notes with friends. While tech salaries in Sri Lanka have grown, the cost of living and aspirations have grown faster. That weekend trip to Singapore, the new car, or simply ensuring your parents can retire comfortably, these dreams often require more than a single paycheck can provide.

But it’s not just about the money. Zahra Hasan, an IT undergraduate, puts it perfectly: “I'd love to take on side projects, not just to earn money, but also to grow personally and use what I've learned in real-life situations.” For many, moonlighting becomes the playground where theoretical knowledge meets practical application.

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