The success story of two self-employed graduates

by Premasara EPASINGHE

"The business does not only mean earning money, but also some satisfaction and happiness. I think it is true dedication, discipline and commitment that make you happy. I firmly believe that confidence, positive attitudes, thinking and momentum are very important ingredients that can turn your life around and help your way to success. I took chances and challenges in life. My wife Anusha and I toiled hard, and in a matter of about seven years, we were able to establish our own horticulture companies - Dinumin Plantations (Pvt) Ltd with Dinumin Flora and Dinumin Homecare (Pvt) Ltd. At present, we have three established companies" Chaminda Arangala Withana said.

Step by step they progressed to develop a 19-acre Cinnamon Estate at Puwakpitiya. They systematically supervised and maintained the property to get the maximum income. Now, they supply cinnamon in bulk for export. They tread on a difficult path. It was never a bed of roses for them at the beginning. Today they sell very expensive roses, varieties of orchids, geberas and foliage cuttings.

Unemployed

Forty-one-year-old Chaminda Arangala Withana obtained B.Sc (Accountancy and Financial Management) Degree from the University of Sri Jayewardenapura. He is also a partly qualified Chartered Accountant. Chaminda is a role model for unemployed graduates. Most of the graduates clamour for government jobs. The dynamic Chaminda's story is a fine example for the unemployed graduates.

It shows that if you have a will, determination and commitment there are many avenues, fields for unemployed graduates, in self-employment, such as agriculture, horticulture, mechanical and technical or in business ventures. They can reach the top as educated citizens of the country. In life, you must face challenges. This is exactly what Chaminda and Anusha Meedeniya two educated financial graduates did. Today they are successful businessmen on their own right.

"Anyone can start any sort of business without money. Capital is not the main factor. If you have an ambition you can achieve it", said Chaminda Arangala.

Positive thinking is a mental attitude. Thoughts, words, images are conducive to growth, expansion and success. A positive mind anticipates happiness, successful outcome of every situation and action. Face challenges in life, strive hard. Always believe in the philosophy'. "I can do it - I can achieve it". When you possess a positive attitude or thinking, you always derive a lovely and pleasant feeling. If you develop a negative thought or attitude, it brings an unhappy mood and action. It leads to frustration and disappointment. Most of our unemployed graduates have this negative approach. They unfortunately become victims of frustrated political parties.

From his childhood Chaminda Arangala had a penchant for horticulture. After he got married to Anusha Meedeniya who is an old girl of Princess of Wales College, Moratuwa, the two of them decided to start a career in horticulture. She was the wind behind his wings. She too is a honours graduate in Commerce. They started a horticulture plantation in a small way at Boralesgamuwa.

They worked day and night on the venture. "Looking after this is like looking after our two little daughters Dinu and Thilini," said Chaminda. They looked after the plants with so much care. Their hard work and determination paid good results today. They have given employment for people. They are an asset to them.

Two of them look after their employees well. As a result, they are able to expand Dinumin Flora Nursery to Puwakpitiya. They have started another new business, Dinumin Homecare (Pvt) Ltd, Liquid Detergent Factory.

Here they produce tile, dish, glass, car, wash liquid and air freshners under Deeves brand.

They obtain the services of a reputed consultant for this venture.

Chaminda hails from a respectable family from Boralesgamuwa. His parents are retired teachers. Chaminda entered University from Isipathana College Colombo in 1992.

It is a delight to see graduates of the calibre of Chaminda and Anusha reaching the top in self-employment as horticulturists. These two educated entrepreneurs are fine examples for our unemployed graduates.

"When flowers bloom, we are delighted. Although we got a number of opportunities to serve in foreign countries as Accountants we decided to serve our motherland.

The two of us firmly believe that we must put the country before self", said Chaminda Arangala Withana.