Janitha Gayan Dharmasuriya

Janitha Gayan Dharmasuriya, originally from Sri Lanka, is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science (Mechanical Engineering) at EIT in Perth, Western Australia. Alongside his studies, he runs a successful pre-purchase car inspection business. He is passionate about the automotive and mechanical industries and is determined to combine his engineering knowledge with his entrepreneurial aspirations.

Janitha’s journey into mechanical engineering and business has been shaped by his deep-rooted passion for vehicles and heavy machinery.

Born and raised in Sri Lanka, Janitha always had a keen interest in mechanical systems. He worked as an intern with Caterpillar heavy machinery and CAT generators, which ultimately led him to Perth—Western Australia’s hub for mining and heavy equipment.

Perth, with its thriving mining industry, offers the perfect environment for Janitha to expand his knowledge of mechanical engineering and develop his business further.

The Balancing Act: Engineering and Business

Juggling a demanding engineering degree and running a business is no small feat, but Janitha has mastered the art of balance.

At first, adjusting to life as an international student in Australia, particularly the cultural and lifestyle changes, posed challenges.

However, with time, Janitha found a solid rhythm, dedicating his first priority to his studies at EIT while running his business on the side.

He said pursuing the on-campus Bachelor of Science (Mechanical Engineering) was a bit challenging at first, especially being an international student and adjusting to life in Australia. But now he’s found a good rhythm.

“My first priority is always my studies at EIT. I plan everything in advance and stick to a proper schedule. Once I’ve locked in my classes and study time, I organise my pre-purchase car inspections around that, while also trying to match my customers’ availability.”

For Janitha, planning ahead has been key. He now organizes his time meticulously, making sure his work schedule fits around his academic commitments. This careful planning allows him to focus on his studies while ensuring his customers receive timely and reliable services.

Choosing EIT: A Pathway to Opportunities

When asked why he chose EIT in Perth, Janitha’s answer was clear: the opportunities in Western Australia’s mining industry.

Western Australia is renowned for its mining sector, and for an aspiring mechanical engineer like Janitha, it presented a perfect fit.

He had always been fascinated by heavy machinery, and his internship with Caterpillar gave him firsthand exposure to the industry’s intricacies.

“I chose EIT in Perth because Western Australia is known as the mining capital of Australia, and that means there are great opportunities here for mechanical engineers. A lot of heavy machinery and construction equipment is used in this region, which really matches my interests and career goals,” Janitha shared.

For Janitha, studying at EIT was the best decision for both his academic development and career aspirations.

He felt that the institution’s solid reputation and industry connections would provide him with the right skills and opportunities for a successful future in mechanical engineering.

Engineering Coursework: Aiding Both Studies and Business

The practical nature of Janitha’s mechanical engineering coursework at EIT has been invaluable to his car inspection business. He’s not just learning the theory behind engineering principles; he’s applying it directly to his day-to-day business operations.

His studies in subjects such as statics, dynamics, thermodynamics, mechanical design, and materials science have deepened his technical understanding of how vehicles function, helping him diagnose problems with greater accuracy.

He noted that studying engineering at EIT has really strengthened his technical understanding of how vehicles work—not just on the surface, but deep down to how each system connects.

“Subjects like statics, dynamics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, mechanical design, and materials science have helped me a lot when it comes to troubleshooting things like engine issues, suspension problems, and structural faults during vehicle pre-purchase inspections.”

One of the most impactful subjects for Janitha has been Electrical Circuit Theory and Analysis. This has enabled him to confidently use advanced diagnostic tools to read waveforms and diagnose ignition patterns, pulses, and electrical faults.

“It’s made a big difference in how I approach inspections,” Janitha added. “I’m more confident, more accurate, and able to explain issues clearly to my customers.”

Challenges as an International Student

While Janitha has found a routine that works for him, his initial days in Australia weren’t without their challenges.

As an international student from Sri Lanka, everything from the food to the weather to making new friends was a drastic change. He had to adjust to an entirely new lifestyle, but over time, he acclimated to his new surroundings.

“At the beginning, it was pretty tough. Everything felt different—the food, weather, culture, even making new friends. I had to adjust to a whole new lifestyle,” he admitted. “But over time, I got used to it. Now I’ve found my rhythm, made good friends, and feel more at home here.”

When comparing his education in Sri Lanka to his experience at EIT, Janitha noticed significant differences.

He believes that the Australian approach to education, particularly at EIT, offers more hands-on opportunities, better industry exposure, and stronger connections with professionals in the field.

“There’s a stronger link between what we study and how it’s used in real-world situations,” he noted. “Here, it’s much easier to connect with people in the industry and find your own path based on your interests and strengths. It feels more open and career-focused compared to the system back in Sri Lanka.”

Future Aspirations: Expanding the Business and Career Goals

Looking ahead, Janitha is determined to grow his car inspection business. He is particularly interested in areas like wheel alignment, tyre fitting, and suspension upgrades. After graduation, he plans to expand his services in this direction while also exploring opportunities in Western Australia’s mining sector, which has a strong demand for mechanical expertise.

“I have a strong interest in areas like wheel alignment, tyre fitting, balancing, and lift kit, suspension upgrades. After I finish my studies, I plan to expand my business in that direction. I’d also love to get involved in the mining sector here in WA, where there’s high demand for those kinds of services.”

Janitha is enthusiastic about applying the knowledge he gains from his engineering studies to his business, hoping to bridge the gap between theory and hands-on industry experience.

Running a business while pursuing a degree is no easy task, but Janitha has valuable advice for students thinking about doing the same. He stresses the importance of passion, consistency, and organization.

“If you have the passion and the knowledge—go for it. Build your network, stay consistent, and believe in your vision. Dream it, plan it, and put in the work,” he advised. “It’s not always easy, but if you stay focused and organized, you can definitely make it happen alongside your studies.”

Reflecting on His Journey and Future Plans

Janitha is committed to making the most of his time at EIT and in Australia. His journey so far has been one of perseverance and growth, and he looks forward to expanding his business and furthering his career in mechanical engineering after graduation.

Through careful planning, a deep passion for his work, and a commitment to both his studies and business, Janitha Gayan Dharmasuriya is shaping a successful future in both engineering and entrepreneurship.

“Stay focused, stay determined, and don’t let anything hold you back,” Janitha concluded. “With the right mindset, you can balance your education, business, and life. Believe in your ability to succeed, and always keep learning.”