Top exporter with a rural uplift penchant

by Ruwanthi Abeyakoon

BUSINESS WOMAN WITH A HEART: She walked away with the Best Woman Exporter Award in 2004, 2005 and 2006. Managing Director, Daya Apparel Export (Pvt) Ltd, Anoma Gamage has proved the excellence of her business, bagging these many awards.

I manage the apparel out of the group of companies. The factory is situated at Ampara. Our objective was to uplift the area. People face many difficulties in this area. Ampara is about 360 kilometers away from Colombo. Our idea was to provide the people an opportunity to improve," she said. She said that there are 3000 workers in the factory. " The workers are mostly from Ampara. We upgrade and train them up to the Production Manager level," Gamage added

"At present we manufacture casual garments and do hundred per cent export. The main markets are USA and UK. We found a new market in South Africa and this month we will start exports. We are also planning to establish more small factories. In the South we have a joint venture factory. It is a running factory and we hope to expand it in the future," she explained.

Realizing the need to expand the business to exist she has made several plans for the future. "I started with 500 workers then expanded. We have modern equipment, cutter and a washing plant to suit the USA and UK market. The garments are complicated.

It is difficult to make them. Some factories fail to keep up to the standard. We work hard to improve our business as well as the quality of our garments. The buyers send us the designs. We also hope to design in the future," Gamage said.

"We also put up a new factory. There are 40 lines there but at present only 27 lines are established. I hope to establish all forty lines in the near future. I have an idea to open up a department store using our own clothes," she added.

"I was a vetenerary surgeon and was working in the Government service. My husband had the factories and when business began to expand I realized that my assistance was needed. I was persuaded by my husband to take over the business. I Gradually learned the business and now I am able to handle everything on my own," she reminisced the commencement of her business.

She is determined to support the country while expanding her business. "I am happy that I could help the country and contribute towards its development. We also do social services. We have a pre-school foundation in Ampara and annually we distribute schoolbooks and equipment for about 5000 children in the district," she said.

"We also support religious places and youth foundations. There is a lot to do for the country. We can develop the country. We never think of leaving the country. I want my children also to following our footsteps because there are lots of resources in the country," she added.

Gamage is also the President of the ladies chapter of the Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs. "We do a lot of social service. Women can take the leadership and work for the country. I was appointed ambassador by the UNDP for their `Palama' project. We had the first meeting in Polonnaruwa. I like to share my knowledge and experience with others. It will help more people to stand on their own feet and contribute to economic development," she said.