Glittery wonders from abandoned gems

MAKING THE MOST: When others were feverishly hunting for glittering gems, one man based his business on the stones that others throw away. Fascinated by the semi precious stones, he realised that it can become a source of income. He was able to add value to the invaluable stones that were discarded by everybody.

The Managing Director, Crest Minerals Creations, Saman Ajith Bandara's innovative mind gave a new life to the multi coloured semi precious stones that have no value. His small factory is situated in Buththala, Monaragala.

"I started the business four years ago by myself. I did not invest any money. I started in a small way with the help of my wife. After some time we realised that there is a demand for the work and the market to sell my creations emerged. Then we employed several girls in the area and trained them," Bandara said.

At present he employs six workers in the Buththala area. "Monaragala is a poverty stricken area. Many are unemployed in our area. Through my business I was able to provide employment for a few. There are lots of sources to develop the business in the district," he explained.

Bandara hails from Eheliyagoda, a city famous for gems. "I did my A/Ls in commerce stream. Then I followed a course in Okkampitiya on gem cutting and polishing. Gems were a part of our lives. Using my own machine I was involved in gem cutting and polishing before I ventured into creating decors," he said.

"After my marriage I resided in Buththala. I have been in this district for ten years and am a member of Monaragala District Chamber of Commerce and Industry. I run my business at home. I do around 100 art pieces per month," Bandara said.

His creations range from rupees 300 to rupees 5000. Being a talented artist Bandara creates his own designs. "There are coloured stones and colourless minerals. I draw the design and decorate it with the matching stones. Then we frame the picture. The stones that don't have any value are made valuable through my creations," he explained.

"I buy big stones and break them into small pieces to be used on the pictures. I buy semi precious stones and minerals from the Buththala and Moneragala areas. I mostly do wall hangings but the stones can be used for ornaments as well. I am the only person involved in this in Monaragala district," Bandara explained.

Bandara's work involves many hours of travelling, as he has to market his products outside Monaragala. "I have to be two or three days away from home for a week. Presently I market them in Colombo, Kandy and Ratnapura," he added.

"There is a huge market. If you present good creations you can reach the market easily. Tourists are interested in my work. They like to buy these works but I don't have direct access. I hope to promote this business in the future. Not only tourists but locals also can purchase these for a reasonable price," he said.

Bandara has participated in many exhibitions that enabled him to show the country the wonders he does with priceless stones. "Once I participated in an exhibition at BMICH. The Chamber helped me to take my works to the market and it gave me several opportunities to enhance my work," he said.

"People can place orders and give their own design. I can also include the name of the person who receives the gift.

There are many creative things that you can do with these stones. You can carve a stone, fix a bulb inside and make a natural lampshade out of it. These abandoned resources should be used," he said.

He has several plans to develop his business. "I buy machines to expand the business providing more employment to the people in this area," Bandara said revealing his future plans.