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| Sunday, 3 April 2005 |
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Business |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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The sky's the limit, says entrepreneur by Sureka Galagoda Hard working with a grit for determination she never takes no for an answer and would work for days until she achieves her goal. Y.M. Somathilaka was born as the eldest to a family of three children. Her father was a businessman while the mother was a housewife.
She had her entire education at Manwila Upananda Maha Vidyalaya. She also did a Higher National Diploma in Commerce. "I had to start a business when I was very young to educate my brother and sister because my father fell ill. Initially I started making ice packets. I needed a refrigerator but since I did not have money to purchase one, I bought it on hire purchase through a finance company by paying an initial instalment of Rs 700. I also did other primary products such as fried Rata Kadju and mixture. Though I sold these items I did not make much of a profit. During this time she also visited the Industrial Development Board (IDB) and the Cathee Reach Centre to get help to improve the products. On one of these visits I met Senarath Ekanayake from the Agriculture Department in Gannoruwa. Having scrutinised my products he advised me to concentrate on one range of products rather than several. He wanted me to produce something natural using our raw materials. He showed me samples and this helped me to move into the manufacturing of natural Siyambala and Goraka Juice. Though I made these products I did not have a steady market until 2002. The EDB sponsored exhibition at the BMICH helped me to introduce my products to local as well as foreign buyers. 'I have exported cinnamon powder and tamarind paste to the USA on a sub contract basis. I like to do direct exports but lack of finances and advice restrain me'. The company Dhanu products has provided employment to five persons and hope to give more employment when I expand the business. I had problems of transportation, obtaining loans, marketing, advertising as well as getting advice. However, the December 26 tsunami last year washed away most of my belongings and now we have to start afresh. Undaunted she makes pickle with jack fruit, bottles and sells it under a different name. "I can't give up as my parents and younger brother and sister depend heavily on me. I want to develop my business, look after my family and provide employment to the people in the area," she said. She resides at Pinnaduwa, Walahanduwa, Galle. |
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