Getting fired from a job in accounting was Dilruk Jayasinha's ticket to a career in comedy in Australia

Sri Lankan-born comedian Dilruk Jayasinha moved to Australia to study accounting. After discovering partying and the uni lifestyle, Dilruk was less than successful in that field. But getting fired from his first accounting job may have been a blessing in disguise. Dilruk tells Suraj Kolakar about growing up in Colombo with armed soldiers stationed outside their front door, nearly getting run down by a Melbourne tram when he first got off the plane, and the defining moments that have led him to where he is today.

Dilruk Jayasinha moved to Australia to study accounting, but ended up as a comedian. Credit: Caroline McCredie/Getty Images for AFI

I remember the first day I was trying to cross the street, and I heard this ding ding ding... I'm like ah, that's funny noise! Not realising its a tram headed at me.

Dilruk Jayasinha

My First Year in Australia is hosted by comedian Suraj Kolarkar and produced by Danny Giles. Hear the stories of people who have found their feet in Australia, as they share their first impressions and the highs and lows of life in a new country.

Follow My First Year in Australia in the SBS Audio app, Spotify, Apple podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.