Sajitha de Mel: Outstanding young person
Uvindu Illeperuma
At the age of 26 a young man running a business of his own has good
reasons to be content since his achievement holds validity for his
lifetime.
The story of Sajitha De Mel is food for thought and the story demands
a second thought on the youth who sought his own fulfillments for his
wife.
Outstanding person Sajitha de Mel. Picture by Rukmal Gamage. |
Sajitha is a marketer by profession and now he is the Sales and
Marketing Manager of his own company UCL Logistics (a member company of
Expo Lanka Group). "My position does not matter when running my own
company. What matters the most is the extent to which you are dedicated
on the venture. I started my company two and half years ago with three
employees. I should remember the support I received from Expo Lanka I
gained said in retrospect," Sajitha.
A product of Wesley College, Sajitha played basketball, cricket and
chess and did scouting. He was also a Deputy Head Prefect. We are taught
in our school to strive to be the best citizen of the country. Our
teachers inculcated this idea and that idea was instilled in my mind. I
tried my best to emerge the best. Even now my company's vision is not to
be the biggest company but to be the best company in Sri Lanka," he
added.
Sajitha remembers the support he received from his parents by
allowing him to engage in extra curricular activities. "They were of the
opinion that those activities would improve my leadership capacities.
Actually, that's what happened ultimately. Thanks to them I have carved
my niche" he said.
Sajitha who loves the challenges told the Daily News Zest that he
stepped out of a Secure job in a bank because 'I want to seek a way for
my own development. When I was stepping out of that bank many opined
that it was the most stupid decision I ever made in my life. Without
taking risks you cannot expect profits. When risk is high, profits will
be high. Actually, knowledge I garnered during my banking career
contributed a lot to understand of the financial sector. It was an
immense help for a young entrepreneur like me to seek a greener pasture
in an unknown sphere.
He believes he is strong enough to withstand the challenges of the
industry. With the conclusion of three decade war, potential space for
development is expanding. So we should exploit the situation which is
healthy for up and coming new businesses" said Sajitha.
Starting with three employees Sajitha's Company now has 13 employees
and the company has expanded operations to India and Bangladesh.
Sajitha is a graduate of the University of Kelaniya and read his
degree in Marketing Management.
When asked how he feels about his achievement compared to his
university colleagues Sajitha said." I should be happy as I am running a
business of my own even at the age of 26. But on the other hand I am too
late. If I could have started my journey about five years earlier I
would have done more mileage," he added.
In other countries young people start a business of their own in
early 20s. They start small. But in Sri Lanka youth begin their life in
30s. That should be changed. In fact an attitudinal change is the need
of the hour. I myself is a graduate.
I went my own way with a vision. Why can't other graduates who are
crying for jobs and raising slogans against the government find a way
for themselves. They should not waste time. They are bursting with
energy. Why don't they turn their energy to a worthwhile exercise?,
questioned Sajitha.
Sajitha De Mel who is a very sensitive personality spares his time
for humanitarian activities though his life is one busy schedule driven
by severe competition in the business field. Due to his genuine quality
of catering to humanitarian needs of the people he managed to bag the
trophy for the Outstanding Young Person.
Sajitha got married last year. His wife is a teacher. In fact his
life flows smooth but rapidly. The reason why he accelerated his life is
because of his utter dedication and unshaken vision to be different and
exemplary.
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