No takers for security jobs

Sanjeevi Jayasuriya

The self- image goes a long way in building long lasting relationships and it helps in many ways to better prospects in life. There is special recognition and attraction for artistes in this country, in particular for actors and actresses. It is not only the pretty faces that we admire, but the acting prowess. She won our hearts in the medium be it in small screen or silver screen where she display her talents.

Living upto this reputation, together with her husband she ventured into a viable business to provide much needed security for companies in today’s complex environment.

Cognitive Eagle Security and Investigations Director Semini Iddamalgoda is happy that despite being an actress she was able to further her capabilities by running a security firm, Semini believes that meeting customer expectation is key to her business progress and all efforts are taken to ensure customer satisfaction.

She was interviewed by Daily News Business.

Excerpts of the interview:

Q: What is the business you are engaged in and how do you set about it?

A. I am into providing security service and investigations. My husband and I set up Cognitive Eagle Security and Investigations in 2004. Initially we started with three to four staff members and gradually build the business. The business is growing steadily at. However, we are going at a slow pace and plan to consolidate with time. Our main focus is to provide security and investigation services for private companies. We only provide security service for private firms as we do not have authority to provide personal security in the form of deploying bodyguards. We strive to provide an efficient service to our customers as they have faith in us. The service we provide is comprehensive and goes beyond the concept of traditional security service. We also provide legal advice in crime related matters to our customers.

The security service shows a gradual growth and we hope this will continue in time to come. We have a team of professionals to manage the business under an operations manager. As I have a huge fan club this also helps the business to grow.

Q. How do you balance your family life and business?

A. My husband Dhammika Iddamalgoda is attached to the police service. We have a daughter named Kumali. As the business is run by a set of professionals my involvement is limited to decision taking. Therefore, I have scheduled my time to be available whenever my daughter needs me. We plan our activities in such a manner, our daughter gets constant attention. I share the problems of the business with my husband and always act on his instructions. As the business is managed by a team of professionals it does not require me to be there full time.

Q: What were the challenges you faced?

A. The biggest challenge we face is to meet the customer expectation and satisfaction. We have offered job opportunities with reasonable salaries. However, finding suitable recruits is a big challenge. This is the current situation in the country as there are jobs in the market but no takers. In most cases there is no willingness to grab the job opportunities where hard work is required. It is a struggle to recruit right people.

The security service needs proper supervision and it is also important to retain the staff. For this we support them and ensure they have clean and neat uniforms. We always help them in their problems and build a close rapport so that they deliver the expected results.

Q. What are your goals?

A. We aim at being the number one security firm in the country. The reputation is building up and so is the goodwill as a reliable and efficient service provider.

Q: Was being a woman an advantage to be in business?

A. Not really. However, my popularity helped in building the business gradually. There is no gender difference when it comes to business matters and meeting targets.

Q. What is your advice to women in business?

A. Be a steady person. Do not hesitate to do things different just because you are a woman. Do business right and right business to contribute to the country’s development process. It is important to have clear boundaries in doing business. Never allow womanhood to be a barrier and go for the best.

Q: What were your achievements in family life and business?

A. We re leading a contented life and our daughter’s well-being is our main focus. We have reached the desired level and all depend on educating our daughter. Our ultimate objective is to make our daughter a responsible citizen.

With regard to business we are going steadily and happy the way that the business is progressing today. We do not intend to go on large scale and always aim at providing an efficient and satisfactory service.

My husband published a hand book related to the security service. This is the first ever book that was introduced outlining security matters and include what action they should be taken at a crime scene, the rights of the security persons, duties related to car parks and cash squad and fire safety precautions. This handbook is ISBN registered.

Q:What is your contribution to society?

A. Our venture is a service to society. In today’s context security plays a keyrole and our service has been recognized by the customers. We have created job opportunities and look after their well-being. This gives us immense satisfaction and in return we get best out of them. This results in high service standards and growth in business. As we believe in doing reasonable business and act accordingly we intend to reach the top one day.

As an actress I have created a name and all efforts are taken to live up to this reputation. I do things within the boundaries, I believe a woman could act. Being an actress I have contributed in creative ventures and for the development of world of art. I consider it important to give back to society and do whatever possible to see smiling faces.