5 content writing lessons from Sri Lanka

Being a Sri Lankan writer means never really finding useful career advice in a random best practices blog or corporate playbook.

We learn by asking better questions when briefs are vague, pitching over patchy Zoom calls, and staying focused through power cuts and broken systems.

When I started working with global teams, I learned that some of the best writers and marketers are forged in this kind of chaos. 

So, I’m sharing five career lessons that being a Sri Lankan has taught me.

1. Grit > gear

In Sri Lanka, the barriers aren’t just about tools. We can’t use PayPal or Stripe. Our banks don’t know what to do with remote workers, and there are no real protections or policies that support freelancers. So, we learn to do more with less.

But that has downsides.

A designer using Canva instead of Photoshop—because the former is more accessible—might deliver great work, but still get passed over for roles requiring Adobe experience. Thankfully, that’s changing. More companies now recognize that alternatives like Canva are legitimate.

Give a Sri Lankan access, and we’ll meet you with grit, speed, and results.

Give a Sri Lankan access, and we’ll meet you with grit, speed, and results.

2. Being multilingual is a plus

English is my second language, but I’ve made great strides to master it. And because I’m multilingual, I’m more aware of brand tone and context when writing landing pages, blogs, and case studies. 

This awareness also comes in handy when understanding audiences.

For instance, the same product might be described as “crafted with care and tradition” for one audience, but “built for everyday convenience” in another. Understanding how subtle shifts in phrasing change emotional impact is now second nature.

I’ve learned that when people feel seen, they’re more likely to engage, trust, and convert. That’s a skill honed from adapting across languages, audiences, and expectations. 

When people feel seen, they’re more likely to engage, trust, and convert.

3. How to read between briefs

Any marketer appreciates a solid brief. It outlines the ideal customer profile (ICP), deliverables, and deadlines. If you’re lucky, it includes reference examples.

For a junior content writer, that might be enough. But with my experience, I’ve learned to zoom out.

I ask:

– Is this part of a broader strategy?

– What’s the goal: traffic, sign-ups, or leads?

– Are there gaps we’re not seeing?

Without that clarity, content becomes noise.

Without that clarity, content becomes noise.

Then there’s the audience.

In Sri Lanka, you learn that one-size-fits-all writing doesn’t work. Writing for a multicultural society—Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim, Burgher—requires more than translation. You adapt tone, word choices, and references depending on who you’re speaking to. That skill is invaluable in global content writing.

I know some companies hesitate to hire outside their region or industry. I get that. But people like me bring cultural intelligence, adaptability, and the strategic lens needed to make content resonate. 

4. How to write content that converts

Early in my career, I focused on demographics like age, location, and job titles. Now, I focus on pain points. Real ones.

Good marketing puts you in the customer’s shoes.

You’re not writing for personas on a slide deck. You’re writing for people with doubts, goals, and blind spots. That shift makes your copy clearer, more empathetic, and more persuasive.

You’re not writing for personas on a slide deck. You’re writing for people with doubts, goals, and blind spots.

In Sri Lanka, cultural nuance trains you to read the room: what’s said and what’s not. You learn to be polite and perceptive. That sensitivity translates into writing. It teaches you to listen better.

Take SaaS content. Instead of listing features, I answer what people really worry about: 

• Do I need a developer to set this up?
• What happens if I migrate and lose my data? 

Copy that answers unspoken questions converts better, because it respects the reader.

Tools like AI can help outline ideas, but they can’t replace the thinking that good writing demands. Great writing that connects takes time. And that’s something you can’t automate.

5. How to be proactive

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from working in Sri Lanka is this: do the work, do it well, and don’t wait for applause.

This habit didn’t come from a workshop. It came from working in a culture where quiet consistency is valued and reliability is expected.

Here, you show up, anticipate what’s needed, and handle your responsibilities without fuss. That mindset has shaped how I work. I ask questions early, keep projects moving, and try to solve problems before they land on someone’s desk.

Once, I planned image suggestions for a blog before the client even mentioned visuals. When they eventually asked, I was ready. That one step built trust because it showed I was thinking beyond the task.

Do the work, do it well, and don’t wait for applause.

Working in an environment where systems aren’t always smooth and resources are limited teaches you to be self-sufficient. You learn to lead without a title and to take pride in being dependable. It’s not flashy, but it’s what turns one-off projects into long-term relationships.

I believe some of the most talented writers and marketers come from places you wouldn’t expect. Different backgrounds shape how we tell stories with content and relate with people.

If you agree and want to connect with a Sri Lankan content writer (who’s been in the business pre-AI), find me on LinkedIn.