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| Sunday, 27 February 2005 |
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Business |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Bamboo products his forte
Don't depend on others and believe in your self and as long as you don't tread the wrong path success will be yours, says Sena Kalahewatta, the Entrepreneur who manufactures items out of bamboo. Family He was born to a family of four, two sisters and two brothers. His father was a farmer while his mother was a housewife. He attended Sri Sumangalodaya Vidyalaya at Kalahe until his sat for his Advanced Level Examination. Work In 1975 he came to Colombo and worked as a Field Officer in the Department of Rehabilitation.
While on his way to Colombo he lost all his belongings including his certificates. "As a Field officer I had to teach the inmates different vocations and I also got an opportunity to learn different crafts. One thing I learnt was making items out of Bamboo." Turning Point In 1977, I lost my job. Since I knew the craft I decided to go on my own but did not have the wherewithal. That was not an obstacle. I borrowed a hand-made grinder from one of my friends and started making vases out of Bamboo. Since the tourism industry was booming I used to take my products to Negombo, Koggala and Bentota. Since there was no quality control weevils used to attack my products. When I supplied goods I did not visit that place for a long time. The people who bought my products also did not lose as they bought a large stock." Technical knowledge
Kalahewatta wanted to improve the quality but nobody was willing to share the technical knowledge and therefore he had to read books and gain that knowledge. With the help of one of his villagers he was able to supply goods to Laksala and to this day he supplies goods to Laksala. In 1984 with the support and help of the Secretary, Ministry of Cultural Affairs Walter Ladduwahahetty he held an exhibition at the National Art Gallery. This exhibition helped him a lot to get exposed to markets and marketing. He had also held exhibitions in schools to give an exposure to school children on bamboo. Ready market At present he has a staff of eight and a shop on the Kandy Road, Radawadunna where he sells his items. He said that they have a ready market for their goods and they can manufacture any item. His son Priyanga is also engaged in the business of making items using bamboo. When a bamboo tree is cut it has to be boiled and treated within a day but we do not throw any part away, Kalahewatta said. It is a tedious job, but very satisfying as you are your own boss. Problems The main problem is the rising cost of raw material. At present Thinner costs Rs. 575 a can. But a person who is artistic and hard working can start this by investing a small sum of money, he said. Kalahewatta said the authorities who go abroad for exhibitions should bring orders that suit our raw material as this will help us compete globally. At present he is a Director of the National Crafts Council. He had a special word for his wife Indra who he said is a tower of strength. |
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