Coir product manufacturer makes headway

Sandhalanka Coir Products, proprietor H. W. Udaya Shantha

The proprietor of Galagedara Sandhalanka Coir Products, Sandhalankawa, W. H. Ruwan Udaya Shantha who started his coir business in a small way with a loan of Rs. 25,000 from the People's Bank is now an exporter of coir pith blocks.

"I had a childhood dream to start my own business. I never thought it would grow from strength to strength within a short period. I started this business from scratch Today my dream of becoming a successful businessman has been realised thanks to People's Bank," he said.

He said his first venture was to manufacture coconut shell charcoal. He started exporting coir pith blocks in 1998. The first loan I obtained from the People's Bank was the pillar of my success.

Apart from coir pith blocks the company manufactures a range of coir pith related products including coco disks, briquette, grow bags, open top and five kg balls.

"The support I received from my wife was indeed a strength in developing this business. There are nearly 25 workers in our factory.

Udaya Shantha plans to take his business to the next level by expanding production for the export market.

Coir pith products manufactured in the factory.

He said the People's Bank was the driving force of his successful journey.

"Small and medium scale business loans of the People's Bank offers great strength to entrepreneurs like us. The staff at bank didn't stop at offering me loans. They motivated me with business advice," Udaya Shantha said.

"I always settle my loan installments on the due date, because I value the trust the bank has placed in me," he said.

Under this scheme, the People's Bank offers loan facilities to any business sector that covers agriculture, agriculture related industries, fisheries, manufacturing and services, hotel and tourism and trade related industries. The bank also offers loan facilities to expand small scale businesses.