I sat down with Leshane Kandegedara, a Sri Lankan-born student leader and future property valuer, whose path from Colombo to Melbourne reflects both resilience and vision. Balancing dual degrees in Property & Real Estate and Commerce, Leshane’s journey is about seeing the bigger picture, not just in numbers and valuations, but in communities, housing, and the lives shaped by urban planning.
📍Q: You’ve had quite a journey from Sri Lanka to Melbourne – what inspired you to pursue Property & Real Estate alongside Commerce?
Leshane: “I started with commerce back in high school, and with my family background in real estate and property management, it felt like a natural step. But I wanted more. That’s why I chose to study at Deakin University. Property valuation drew me in, it’s not just about numbers, it’s about understanding a market that’s dynamic and volatile, like Australia’s. I’ve always been good with maths and accounts, so this combination made sense for me.”
📍Q: What kind of impact do you hope to leave on urban planning or the built environment?
Leshane: “I want to start in the private sector. My early experience in advertising across regional towns gave me insight into how those communities function, and it really opened my eyes. Long term, I want to move into the public sector, especially in social housing. I see myself advocating for fair valuations, helping people understand their rights, and working on projects that make a real difference in people’s lives.”
📍Q: If you could go back to your first day at Deakin, what would you tell yourself?
Leshane: “Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing. Every high and low was part of the journey. I’d tell myself: believe in your vision, don’t listen to the noise, and keep your goals clear. At the same time, uplift others, make genuine friends, and push yourself to get out there. The rest will follow naturally.”
📍Q: One message for the world?
Leshane: “Remember those who left you when you were at your lowest, because in their absence, you found a strength you never knew existed. The comeback is always greater than the setback. Every crisis, every failure, every obstacle is a challenge to rise, to grow stronger, and to unite in defiance of defeat. We don’t shape the world by avoiding failure; we shape it by rising every time we fall, driven by vision, courage, and a relentless will to never surrender.”
✨Key Takeaway:
Leshane’s story is a testament to turning challenges into clarity. His journey from Sri Lanka to Australia shows that resilience isn’t just about survival, it’s about building the courage to influence systems bigger than yourself. From private ventures to public good, he’s carving a path that blends numbers with humanity, and ambition with compassion.
