An Inspired Chat with Harsha Chathuranga of New York

We recently had the chance to connect with Harsha Chathuranga and have shared our conversation below.

Harsha, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Yes! One recent moment that made me feel really proud was winning the Silver Award for Best Personal Website at BestWeb.lk 2024. It was such an exciting achievement because I had put a lot of effort into designing and developing the site myself. Seeing that hard work recognized at a national level was not only rewarding but also motivating for me to keep pushing further in web development and digital design.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Harsha Chathuranga, and I’m a UI/UX Designer and Award-Winning Web Developer, recently recognized with the Silver Award for Best Personal Website at BestWeb.lk 2024. I specialize in creating user-friendly, visually compelling websites and digital experiences that merge creativity with functionality.

I currently contribute my skills at the Moresand Group, where I design social media creatives, website banners, and adverts for well-known travel brands. Alongside that, I also work with TravelGoals as a UI/UX Designer and Web Developer, where I’ve had the opportunity to design and develop full websites and craft digital campaigns.

What makes my journey unique is the way I blend creative design with technical problem-solving, ensuring every project not only looks great but also delivers real results for businesses. Right now, I’m expanding my focus on building AI-powered web and marketing solutions to help small businesses grow faster with affordable, impactful digital strategies.

For me, every design or website is more than just a project, it’s about telling a story, creating an experience, and leaving a lasting impression.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was simply a curious dreamer with a deep love for creativity and technology. I spent countless hours sketching ideas, exploring design tools, and experimenting with websites, not because I had to, but because I genuinely loved bringing imagination to life.

At my core, I’ve always been someone who believed in creating, exploring, and building things that inspire others. That passion has stayed with me, and even though the world often tries to define us, I’ve managed to carry that same curiosity and creativity into the work I do today.”

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, I’d say: ‘Trust the process and believe in yourself. Every late night, every failure, and every moment of doubt is shaping you into someone stronger and more capable than you realize. One day, your hard work and passion will be recognized, and you’ll look back proudly knowing it was all worth it.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in the design and web development industry is that a good-looking design is enough. Many believe that aesthetics alone can carry a brand, but in reality, design without strategy, usability, and functionality has very little impact. True success comes from creating digital experiences that are not just visually appealing but also user-focused, accessible, and results-driven.

Another misconception is that bigger budgets automatically mean better outcomes. In my experience, creativity, problem-solving, and a clear understanding of user needs often outperform expensive but unfocused projects. At the end of the day, the real value of design lies in its ability to connect people and solve problems, not just look beautiful.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I believe I’m doing what I was born to do. From a young age, I was drawn to creativity, problem-solving, and technology, and today my work as a designer and web developer allows me to combine all of those passions. While the world often tells us to follow a ‘safe path,’ I chose to carve my own, one that feels authentic to who I am. Winning the Silver Award for Best Personal Website at BestWeb.lk 2024 was a reminder that following my passion, not just expectations, was the right decision.

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