THE BUSINESSWOMAN

Q: From real estate to exports and the empowerment of women, what is your personal philosophy when it comes to business? A: My approach is simple – pursue what I love, act with integrity and persevere through challenges with honesty.

Q: How has your Dutch-Sri Lankan heritage influenced your approach to work?

A: Since I work primarily with locals, understanding their mindset is crucial to succeed in business.

My upbringing, shaped by the values of hard work and empathy instilled in me by my Dutch-Sri Lankan parents, emphasises the importance of adapting to local ways of life. This cultural fusion enables me to navigate the intricacies of diverse perspectives.

Q: You are known to be a risk taker who enjoys diversification... What drives this passion for change and agility?

A: I believe that embracing change and diversification keeps life dynamic, and opens doors to new possibilities – while stagnation is the enemy of growth.

Q: What have been the most challenging experiences of running a business to date? A: Reflecting on my current challenges, running a business has been the toughest due to language barriers as I haven’t mastered Sinhala yet.

Q: And what’s most fulfilling about your work?

A: Bringing positive change, leaving a mark on the women in the villages where my factories are located and empowering them with self-responsibility...

I find great satisfaction in contributing to improving village economies, which are the backbone of our nation’s real economy, and making a meaningful impact on people’s lives. And sharing the goodness and crafts of Sri Lanka with the world through exports adds a special joy to my journey.

Diversity, vibrant colours, food, weather, people, nature and wildlife – all contribute to the beautiful chaos that is Sri Lanka