The Sri Lankan-born comedian was working in a large-scale accounting firm, and doubting his future in the job.

"I started working in a big accounting firm in an area that dealt heavily with Australian tax legislation and within days I was scared that this was going to be the rest of my life," Jayasinha said.

"I kept thinking that this just can't be how I spend the next four decades.

"As I was struggling with it, everyone around me kept saying that it's hard when you start but you get used to it, and the higher you climb up the ladder the more manageable it gets.

"I remember then looking at the top most position I could get to and still not wanting to be that guy.

"So I thought 'Why keep trying to get better at something that you don't really want to do?'

"Then six months later, they fired me. So that helped! I went back to working at a smaller firm, but I started to think about alternative careers.

"I realised I did the big accounting purely for the financial gain. So I thought what if I worked backwards and asked myself, 'What would I do if I had all the money in the world?'

"And quite quickly the idea of stand-up comedy popped into my head.

"I mucked around for about year after that because I was too scared to take the leap and book in that first gig, but after I finally did, and performed a pretty horribly bad five-minute set, I was hooked and haven't looked back."

It was 2010 when he took that fateful first step on stage. Now, he's preparing for his sixth appearing at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival next year.

You might have also heard his jokes on TV, as he's a regular star on ABC's It's A Date, SBS's Stand Up @ The Bella Union, and Channel 31's comedy talk show Live On Bowen.

His latest stand-up show, Immigrateful, was an "unexpected" sell-out at this year's Melbourne comedy fest, which gave him the momentum to take it interstate and even overseas.

The show is based on his life as an immigrant from Sri Lanka, and Jayasinha said he was a bit scared to take it on.

"Up to that point I hadn't yet really spoken too much about growing up in Sri Lanka and my life in Australia as an immigrant," he said.

"I was worried it might not be that relatable to the average Aussie punter.

"But I think in reality, it was that point of difference that made the show more enjoyable for most.

"It was basically my story of how generally, Australia has been lovely and welcoming to me since I left my family back in Sri Lanka and arrived here as a teenager.

"Amongst all the growing vibes of intolerance that we're seeing at the moment, I wanted to just tell my tale of the Aussies that made me feel at home here in a very short time.

"And of course, I also use the opportunity to take a jab at those people who have not been so welcoming and tolerant too!"

GIG FACTS

WHAT: Dilruk Jayasinha headlines Fresh Comedy, supported by Tim Logan, Kerri Gay, and James Warren.

WHEN: Friday, November 13, from 7.30pm

WHERE: Fresh on Charles, Launceston

TICKETS: Fresh Comedy regularly sells out - it’s advised you pre-buy your tickets to avoid disappointment. Reserved seating is $20, general admission $15 - available here. General admission door sales, if available, are $20. 

Jayasinha will also perform at The Clubhouse Comedy in Hobart on Thursday, November 12, from 8pm.