Vindya Katipearachchi
Focus on the work-life balance
Q: How do you balance maintaining your Sri Lankan cultural identity while adapting to Danish culture?
A: I try to celebrate important Sri Lankan festivals and cook Sri Lankan food when I have a chance to so. And I prioritise speaking Sinhala with my family as I rarely use it in my current environment.
However, I integrate certain Danish customs and the language in my daily life.
Ultimately, I strive to find a balance that incorporates elements of both my Sri Lankan roots and experiences of living in Denmark that resonate with me.
Q: What Sri Lankan dishes do you miss the most and how do you try to incorporate them into your life in Denmark?
A: Sri Lankan food holds a very special place in my heart; I particularly miss dishes like rice and curry, hoppers and string hoppers. As Danish cuisine is very different, I try to cook Sri Lankan food at home during the weekends.
Unfortunately, the lack of Sri Lankan restaurants in Copenhagen means that hoppers have become a rare treat!
Q: Are there any cultural traditions or Sri Lankan festivals that you continue to celebrate in Denmark?
A: I try to celebrate Avurudu (Sinhala and Tamil New Year) with my brother in Germany, usually with some kiribath. But these festivities feel somewhat muted compared to the celebrations back in Sri Lanka.
And I prioritise visiting Sri Lanka to spend time with family and friends during Christmas and on New Year’s Eve.
Q: How do social norms in Denmark differ from those in Sri Lanka?
A: The Danish culture’s emphasis on leisure activities and informal socialising – particularly through travelling and outdoor recreation – has influenced me to participate in more outdoor hobbies with friends and explore new destinations.
Additionally, their strong emphasis on punctuality has become a norm that I’ve grown accustomed to.
Q: And how did you find the process of learning Danish? Have you faced any language challenges in your daily life or work?
A: Learning Danish has been a challenging yet rewarding journey. Through language classes and practice, I now feel more confident using it in social settings. However, speaking Danish in large groups or during client meetings is still somewhat daunting.
I regularly communicate in Sinhala with my family as I think it’s important to maintain fluency.
Q: Are there aspects of Danish work culture that you find particularly different or appealing?
A: One aspect that I really value is the strong emphasis on flexibility and promoting a healthy work-life balance, which is deeply embedded in workplace norms.
Additionally, the flat hierarchy and commitment to equality are values that I admire; and I believe they could be beneficial if adopted more widely – including in Sri Lanka.
Q: Do you often travel back to Sri Lanka? And how do you maintain connections with your home country?
A: Most of my family and many close friends live in Sri Lanka so I try to visit at least once a year.
In addition to these frequent visits, I’m regularly in contact with my close family and friends – and through them, I remain connected to the country.
CV IN A NUTSHELL
Vindya Katipearachchi was raised in Sri Lanka and moved to Denmark in 2020 to pursue a Master’s degree in applied economics and finance on a scholarship from Copenhagen Business School.
With an educational background in finance and economics, she obtained CFA charterholder status in 2023.
During her undergraduate studies in Sri Lanka, Katipearachchi gained valuable experience in EY’s Strategy and Transactions segment, where she developed a strong interest in corporate finance and investment banking.
Presently, she is employed at Deloitte’s Corporate Finance Advisory as an associate, specialising in providing merger and acquisition advisory services to companies across diverse industries.
FACT FILE
FAMILY
Parents
Younger brother
SCHOOLING
Ladies’ College
HIGHER EDUCATION
BSc in Economics and Management (University of London)
MSc in Applied Economics and Finance (Copenhagen Business School)
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
CFA charterholder
PRESENT OCCUPATION
Associate (Corporate Finance Advisory – Deloitte)
COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE
Denmark
CITY OF RESIDENCE
Copenhagen