Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Professional Skills
Certification
Citizenship
References
Disclaimer
Timeline
Generic
Wathsala Dhanapala

Wathsala Dhanapala

Rolleston,New Zealand

Summary

Resourceful and enthusiastic Software Quality Assurance Engineer with a solid background in software quality assurance and testing methodologies. Experienced in overseeing the complete review process for the past 5 years. Expertise in manual testing to ensure application effectiveness and now eager to transition to test automation for enhanced efficiency and productivity.


New Zealand citizen with nine years of local residency, contributed to the successful execution of the Student First Project at the University of Canterbury as a Contract Test Analyst for two years. Refined testing processes and ensured delivery of high-quality software products during this time. Proficient in executing test scripts using Cypress and API Postman during tenure at the University of Canterbury. Actively pursuing advanced programming skills through a Python course to strengthen capabilities in test automation. Gained valuable experience through part-time roles at viTesters and freelancing on Upwork.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Software QA Engineer (Part Time)

ViTesters
05.2024 - Current
  • Maintained detailed documentation of test results, ensuring accurate tracking of issues and resolutions.
  • Tested functional and compatibility of new programs or updates in comparison to existing applications.
  • Incorporated delivery requirements into planning of testing schedules.
  • Developed and executed manual web test scripts, with a focus on usability, compatibility, exploratory, and regression testing.
  • Maintained detailed documentation of test results and processes using Google Spreadsheets and Excel, ensuring accurate tracking of issues and resolutions.

Registered Freelanser at Upwork (Part Time)

Upworks
03.2024 - Current
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Skilled at working independently
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.

Graduate Test Analyst - Contract - Full Time

University of Canterbury: Student First Project
08.2021 - 08.2023
  • Created comprehensive manual test scripts covering various scenarios using Jira and MS Excel
  • Refined and executed manual test cases using JIRA-Zephyr Scale and gained basic experience with Azure DevOps.
  • Improved software quality by designing and executing comprehensive test plans.
  • Managed defects efficiently using JIRA-Zephyr Scale
  • Executed different types of tests including Smoke, Exploratory, Functional, edge cases, UI, Compatibility and User Acceptance testing
  • Demonstrated strong regression testing skills
  • Participated in Requirements/Product Refining meetings
  • Familiar with executing Automation Test scripts in API Postman and Cypress, with a working knowledge of creating automation test scripts
  • Possess a basic understanding of Agile Scrum projects.
  • Increased overall test coverage, prioritizing high-risk functionalities for thorough examination.
  • Reviewed all test cases and test scripts for quality and identified additional areas to review.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of system components during end-to-end testing.

Caregiving

11.2014 - 08.2021
During this period, I took a career break to prioritize maternity and family commitments and to facilitate our relocation from Sri Lanka to New Zealand. While serving as a caregiver to my family, I fully dedicated myself to their care and upbringing while also pursuing personal development opportunities. I engaged in self-study, online courses, and relevant projects to stay connected with the industry and maintain my skills. Additionally, I completed Teacher Aide Level 4 courses and volunteered part-time as a Teacher Assistant at Willow Park School, Compton Street, Hillcrest, Auckland, from August 2018 to October 2019 (1 year and 2 months). I also worked as a paid part-time Relief Teacher at various early educational institutions. Although these roles were not directly related to the Software QA field, they allowed me to maintain and enhance my computer skills and abilities while supporting teachers and students during this period.

Secondary School Teacher (ICT) - Full Time

Roman Catholic Girls School and St. John's College
02.2011 - 11.2014

Contributions in Educational Environment

Key Responsibilities :

  • Taught Information and Communication Technology syllabus from grade 6 to grade 13.
  • Supported administration tasks by computerizing and preparing official documentations.
  • Assisted with library tasks to enhance organizational efficiency and support student learning.
  • Coordinated and conducted Information Technology seminars for Ordinary and Advanced Level students at St. John's College, Colombo, Sri Lanka, focusing on enhancing their understanding and skills in ICT concepts.
  • Managed activities within the ICT lab, ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment for students.
  • Created a nurturing classroom atmosphere that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth in ICT studies.
  • Supported students in developing social skills through structured ICT activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
  • Established clear expectations and fostered mutual respect among students, promoting a positive ICT learning environment.
  • Actively led school-wide ICT initiatives aimed at improving student success rates and fostering community among staff members.

Software Quality Assurance Engineer - Full Time

Virtusa Corporation, Sri Lanka
08.2007 - 07.2010

Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Participated in analyzing requirements.
  • Assisted in preparing the Quality Assurance Test Plan (QATP) and collaborated closely with QA leads.
  • Designed test cases and conducted peer reviews according to the global innovation process.
  • Reduced defect rates with thorough manual testing, ensuring all use cases were covered before deployment.
  • Updated test cases based on required changes.
  • Executed various tests including Functional, Non-Functional (Security, UI, Smoke, Ad Hoc, Regression, etc.).
  • Prepared test execution status and results documentation accurately.
  • Managed defects using defect management tools and reported findings to QA leaders.
  • Facilitated knowledge transfer for new team members regarding project requirements as necessary.

Graduate Quality Assurance Trainee - Full Time

Executive Advantage Technologies, Sri Lanka
03.2007 - 08.2007
  • Designed, Created and peer-reviewed manual test cases
  • Conducted test execution, covering Functional and Non-Functional aspects including Security, UI, Smoke, Ad Hoc, and Regression testing
  • Prepared test execution status and results documentation accurately.
  • Provided feedback to engineers on design improvements, contributing to the development of high-quality products.
  • Used various testing methodologies to validate product functionality, reliability, and usability.
  • Worked closely with suppliers to resolve any quality concerns and maintain strong working relationships.

Education

Bachelor of Science -

Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT)
Sri Lanka

Skills

  • Passionate about Software Testing
  • Strong decision-making abilities
  • Capable of working independently as well as in a team
  • Effective collaboration skills
  • Strong logical and analytical thinker
  • Natural problem-solving abilities
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Eager to learn and love to be challenged
  • Sense of responsibility
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Languages: English & Sinhalese

Professional Skills

  • Profound understanding of Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC).
  • Expertise in designing, creating, refining, and peer-reviewing manual test scripts.
  • Skilled in executing manual test scripts with precision, covering Functional and Non-Functional aspects including Smoke/Ad hoc, Exploratory, UI, Performance, and Regression testing.
  • Basic experience in executing automation test scripts using API Postman and Cypress, with foundational knowledge and basic Test Automation Script Creation.
  • Effective in reporting test execution status and results.
  • Experienced in managing defects, reporting bugs, and evaluating test objectives' quality.
  • Capable of mentoring and transferring knowledge to new team members as required.
  • Familiarity with Agile development practices
  • Experienced with Testing and Defect Tracking systems, including Zephyr Scale for Test Management.
  • Proficient user of Jira, Confluence, and MS Excel for project management and documentation.
  • Hands-on experience with Azure DevOps for continuous integration and deployment.
  • Familiarity with MS SQL for database querying and management.
  • Working knowledge of AWS cloud services.
  • Actively expanding proficiency in Python for enhanced automation capabilities.

Certification

  • ISTQB-CTFL Certified Tester :

https://atsqa.org/certified-testers/profile/d7e8cac6844c4a0694b3a33891c34410


  • AWS- Clouds: Online Conference:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/wathsala-abeywickrama/overlay/1635555945696/single-media-viewer/?profileId=ACoAACxcT8UBqeeSCWJGqEqwnD53Ce8DAmQ56T4


  • Basic SQL CERTIFICATION – UDEMY

Citizenship

New Zealand

References

Provide on request.

Disclaimer

I hereby declare that all the information furnished above is true and authentic.

Timeline

Software QA Engineer (Part Time)

ViTesters
05.2024 - Current

Registered Freelanser at Upwork (Part Time)

Upworks
03.2024 - Current

Graduate Test Analyst - Contract - Full Time

University of Canterbury: Student First Project
08.2021 - 08.2023

Caregiving

11.2014 - 08.2021

Secondary School Teacher (ICT) - Full Time

Roman Catholic Girls School and St. John's College
02.2011 - 11.2014

Software Quality Assurance Engineer - Full Time

Virtusa Corporation, Sri Lanka
08.2007 - 07.2010

Graduate Quality Assurance Trainee - Full Time

Executive Advantage Technologies, Sri Lanka
03.2007 - 08.2007

Bachelor of Science -

Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT)
Wathsala Dhanapala