Business Rendezvous

Government must run like a private institution

Shirajiv Sirimane

An ambitious man with a ‘never say die’ attitude who left behind a lucrative employment and comforts overseas to dwell in his hobby photography, is today heading a diversified enterprise.

For Chairman, Kent Group of Companies, Gamini Saparamadu it wasn’t easy to make up his mind to move away from his overseas perks. However he also felt that he has to give back something to the motherland and in 1984 chose his life time hobby to become his career.

For Saparamadu PhotoGrafix Commercial Studios was the humble beginning of a long journey that has today reached over ten associate companies.

“Perseverance, ambition and the commitment to the cause made me overcome many obstacles on the path. Learning from my own mistakes and that of others, educated me to avoid stumbling blocks. Still I had my share of falling. But then, each time I fell I learned to stand up with more courage and wisdom to continue my journey.

By 1991 PhotoGrafix Commercial Studios was well accepted in the local advertising industry and by many overseas advertising agencies and clients. With the success of PhotoGrafix was born Kent,” he recalled.

Today there are ten associate diverse business activities, under the Kent umbrella employing over 800 people. “Kent was born with a vision and in this ever changing world of creative thinking we do things differently. Developing new ideas, new products and Services has been our Forte and Lifestyle,” Saparamadu said.

Over the last 22 years the Kent Group of Companies has invented and pioneered many creations. DuraGard Photo Protection System, Sub Surface 3D Laser, Moisture Resistant Photo Frames, Photo Story Book, Stained Glass and Lead glass Panels for Doors and Windows. Wooden Presentation Boxes for the value addition of Special Products are some of these unique creations.

A wide range of machinery supplied by Kent is now being used in various industries.

Although commercial and advertising photography is not his livelihood at present, Saparamadu still derives enormous inspiration and discipline from photography. “It helps me to create and innovate. Photography is now my passion. My obsession for the rest of my life,” he said.

Q: Have your efforts been recognised?

Yes. I have been honoured with the Platinum Awarded for the Entrepreneur of the Year in year 2004. This is the highest national award to an entrepreneur in Sri Lanka awarded by the Federation Chambers of Commerce and Industries in Sri Lanka. Similarly, there are two export companies of Kent that have received Gold awards for export and awards for excellence in packaging.

Q: Some entrepreneurs still have second thoughts of investing saying that the Sri Lankan ground situation in volatile?

This is a misconception. Every one ducks during a bad period and it’s the one who keeps his head up that sees the opportunities. I kept my head high and that is why I have gone on paths no one has gone. Today others are following the paths I created. In principle, we do not venture into any business for wrong reasons.

Q: How do you look at Sri Lanka today?

There is too much of politicisation and lack of discipline is also a major issue. There are two sets of rules that apply and this is not right. Big or small all must fall in line. Politicos have become a laughing stock and we can also see unqualified people heading key institutions due to their political background.

The irony is that these people who cannot even run a grocery tell the businessmen, professionals and intellectuals what to do.

The Government should be run like a private institution and it’s not happening today. Due to politics creeping into every nook and corner very soon one would not be able to have a successful childbirth without politics!!! This is a very sad story.

Sri Lanka should try to focus itself as an industrial country. One may say that this is a joke as the country has one of the highest electricity tariffs in the region. This has to be managed or alternative power generation methods should be found.

There is no dignity for labourers, carpenters, plumbers and people doing similar jobs. This is the reason why you do not see children doing their parent’s profession. Similarly, agriculture to should be given more support. They are the backbone of the economy and a system should be developed to give them more respect in society.

Q: How do you review the tax structure?

Firstly it has to be simplified and then more people will pay. Do not evade taxes as it’s a social responsibility as well. However as tax payers we want to know what the government is doing with the tax payer’s money. Sadly sometimes we do not see taxes being put to productive use and then it becomes a pain of mind.

Q: What is the place you like to spend a holiday in Sri Lanka?

Anywhere as long there is a tree above me. I have travelled widely and there is no other country like Sri Lanka in this universe and this is why I have come back to die in this country.

Q: What is your aim in life?

I also believe in my own Six-Commandments.

Where was our company in the past?

Where are we today?

Where do we want to be in the future?

Are our heads turned towards the direction that we wish to be in the future.?

When do we plan to reach where we want to be in the future?

How do we get there?

With this guideline in our mind we are all motivated to reach excellence. We believe in the Be Sri Lankan and buy Sri Lankan concept. We will strive hard to take Kent products and services worldwide to make Sri Lanka proud.