About

Twenty years building the systems a factory runs on.

I'm Iranga Basnayake, a Solution Architect and AI/ML Engineer based in Kandy, Sri Lanka. I design and ship production software for global apparel manufacturing — the systems that move products, people, and decisions through a plant every day.

Iranga Basnayake on a hillside overlooking the valley near Kandy, Sri Lanka
Kandy, Sri Lanka UTC+5:30

What I do

I lead automation, mobile, and AI initiatives for one of the world's largest apparel manufacturers. I work end to end: requirements gathering on the floor, architecture and data design, backend and interface, deployment, training, and the day-two operation that decides whether a system survives its first year.

My current focus is on-premises AI — running open-source large language models on the company's own hardware so staff get a capable assistant without sending a single token to a third-party cloud service.

Areas of expertise

  • On-premises large language models — Ollama, Open WebUI, hardware sizing and model selection for secure enterprise AI that never leaves the perimeter.
  • Enterprise process automation — Django and Python systems that replace paper, spreadsheets, and email workflows with auditable software.
  • Solutions architecture — data models, integration points, and permission structures decided before feature work begins.
  • Enterprise mobile — React Native applications for warehouse operations, attendance, audits, and field workforce management.
  • Infrastructure strategy — Windows Server, Active Directory, Linux, Docker, backup and data-loss prevention across the organisation.

Career

From network administration to owning the software and infrastructure strategy of a global manufacturer.

2021 — Present

Senior System Analyst

Global apparel manufacturer · Sri Lanka

Lead the design, development, and operation of software that automates production processes. Drive AI/LLM, mobile, and digital audit initiatives plant-wide, and own IT infrastructure strategy.

2020 — 2021

System Analyst

Global apparel manufacturer · Sri Lanka

Partnered with internal departments on cost-saving initiatives and annual IT budget planning. Gathered requirements, designed solutions, and coordinated implementation for process automation projects.

2016 — 2020

System Administrator

Global apparel manufacturer · Sri Lanka

Administered Windows Server, Active Directory, SharePoint, and NAS-based backups. Implemented data-loss prevention and endpoint security organisation-wide; managed user lifecycle and access control.

2011 — 2016

Executive — ICT

Brandix Intimates · Sri Lanka

End-user support across Mac and Windows; managed LAN infrastructure, network monitoring, and security configuration to safeguard data integrity and minimise downtime.

2008 — 2011

IT Assistant

Hela Clothing (Pvt) Ltd · Sri Lanka

User support operations and hardware/software troubleshooting across the organisation.

2004 — 2008

Network Administrator

Foundation Garments (Pvt) Ltd · Sri Lanka

Diagnosed and resolved daily network issues, monitored performance, and improved LAN reliability across a stable, secure environment.

Education

MSc Computer Science First Class

Cardiff Metropolitan University · United Kingdom

2020

BSc Software Engineering 2:1

London Metropolitan University · United Kingdom

2017

Toolbox

A focused stack — Python and JavaScript ecosystems on top of solid Windows and Linux server fundamentals.

01 Languages

  • Python
  • C#
  • JavaScript
  • TypeScript
  • SQL
  • PowerShell · Bash

02 Backend & APIs

  • Django
  • Django REST Framework
  • ASP.NET / .NET
  • Node.js
  • REST APIs
  • JWT auth

03 Frontend & mobile

  • React
  • React Native
  • Vue 3
  • Tailwind CSS
  • Bootstrap
  • Responsive design

04 AI / ML

  • On-prem LLM deployment
  • Ollama
  • Open WebUI
  • Open-source models
  • Prompt engineering
  • GPU/NPU-aware deployment

05 Databases

  • MS SQL Server
  • PostgreSQL
  • SQLite
  • Database design
  • Stored procedures
  • Query optimisation

06 Infrastructure

  • Windows Server
  • Active Directory
  • Linux
  • Docker
  • NAS / Acronis
  • Endpoint DLP

07 Digital operations

  • iAuditor / SafetyCulture
  • Digital forms
  • Audit workflows
  • Power BI
  • Reporting

08 Professional

  • Functional consulting
  • Requirements gathering
  • Stakeholder management
  • Vendor engagement
  • Team leadership

Where I'm based

Kandy, Sri Lanka (UTC+5:30) — working globally. I respond fastest at [email protected] and work comfortably across European, North American, and Asia-Pacific time zones.

Open to conversations. Enterprise software, on-premises AI, and systems architecture.

Get in touch →