Sunil becomes feted entrepreneur sewing robes

G. Sunil of Gonapinuwala won the best entrepreneur award (micro scale industries) at the selection of Best Entrepreneur for the Year 2004 organised by the Sri Lanka Industrial Development Board under the guidance of Rural Industrial Ministry. He is engaged in an industry where local raw materials are used. He became one of the 27 excellent industrialists of the island, selected at an exhibition held at BMICH.

Before stepping into this industry, he worked under a Thai businessman Sambrit who deals with gems. One day he had given him a stock of his trousers to be taken to the laundry. While he was sorting out his clothes he had come across a valuable gem in one of his pockets. He was reprimanded for not taking the clothes to the laundry.

Then he had told him that he had found a gem in his trouser pocket and he came to give it back to him. Later he came to know that he has bought that particular precious stone on the previous day for Rs. 260,000. His honesty was rewarded. The Thai businessman, bought him the land in which he is having the industry.

He had closely associated with the temple and the chief incumbent Ven. Berathuduwe Amarasiri Thera. According to his instructions he had made the first robe and he was directed to Ven. Ariyadamma Thera. Now he supplies robes to 112 'Aranya Senasanas' for 19 years. His wife is employed and she helps him when she is at home.

There are four others working under him. He does this industry with the greatest difficulty. He gets the dye for the robes by boiling Jak and Mahogany saw dust. He has got the strength to do this industry with dedication through his close association with Ven. Nauyane Ariyadhamma Thera.

He extends his gratitude to chief incumbent of Kande Vihare Rajakeeya Panditha Batuwanhene Budda Rakkitha Thera, Rajakeeya Panditha Yatadolawatte Ariyawansa Thera Madihe Pannaseeha Thera and Pitiduwe Siri Dhamma Thera.