Imesha’s passion for colours, shapes, ideas
Sanjeevi Jayasuriya
Creativity plays a key role in shaping the ideas into monetary
values. It also gives the momentum to do things differently and enables
to achieve end results. If not for creativity the world would have been
a monotonous place to live in. The jewellery designer in Imesha
Wijewickrama proves to be a successful combination in building an
effective business model for Sala Enterprises (Pvt) Limited.
Her involvement in this technology firm now operating as a family
business by way of providing expertise in designing, architecture and
interior decor has contributed immensely to become a reputed venture in
the field of information technology.
Imesha’s passion for colours, shapes, ideas |
Operating under the tag line ‘We make technology affordable’, Sala
Enterprises has emerged as a popular choice for quality technology
products within the reach of masses simultaneously making these products
available in Sri Lanka when launched worldwide.
This move has ensured that highly advanced products are in the Sri
Lankan market providing the opportunity for customers access to the
latest technological devices without a time lag.
As the Advertising and Promotions Director she looks into minute
details when it becomes her responsibility to maintain excellent
standards in the work undertaken. When at work, her abundance of
creativity knows no boundaries, but is focused on reaching targets
always.
As IT is a constantly changing field, Imesha has kept vigil to track
revolving trends to make Sala Enterprises ahead of time and aligned its
futuristic approach by periodic product introduction to meet the
technological transformation.
She was interviewed by Daily News Business. Excerpts of the
interview.
Q. How do you describe your line of business?
Imesha Wijewickrama |
A. My husband Chintaka Wijewickrama started Sala Enterprises
in 1992. He was in the USA for nine years pursuing higher studies and
came back to Sri Lanka to take care of his parents. The venture was
started going beyond his liking to technological developments to make
them available in the country.
The selling of Seiko Electronic Dictionaries gave the right opening
for the business to flourish. We met in 1994 and married a year later.
The venture was initially set up at Alfred Place and moved to Galle
Road, Kollupitiya. At this point I joined Chintaka and after three years
of hard work the business grew steadily.
We have been taking part in every Techno exhibition since inception
and this boosted our sales volumes. We have won several awards and our
pride has been computer assembling and selling. In the early years of
business selling one computer on a given month was rewarding and it soon
became ten computers per month. The gradual increase in sales, speaks
for the technological thirst in the country and we see much potential
and crave in the younger generation regarding IT. We strive to bring in
latest technology and travel frequently to Singapore for purchases.
My contribution comes in the designing and organizing aspects where a
blend of creativity and managerial skills is put into good use. The Sala
Enterprises head office is located at Rajagiriya and we have few
showrooms including in Pamankada and Pepiliyana.
Q. How do you strike a balance between family life and
business?
A. The venture has become a full-time job for me. We have
three sons, Malinda (13), Charitha (10) and Rakitha (7). As my mother
lives next door things have become easier for me. She gives me the
flexibility of spending more hours at generating businesses. However,
once at home I see that the house is in order. I spend quality time with
our children and help them in studies.
Q. What motivated you to venture into business on your own?
A. My business involvement comes as a case of attraction of
opposites. When it comes to designing Chintaka has no clue and I fill
the void. I also come from a business background and my father was
involved in a successful food related venture. The liking for business
is inherent and my creative talents were beneficial in running the
business.
Q. What are your goals?
A. My prime concern is to think out-of-the-box. This comes
with the goal to improve performance continuously. I make an effort to
do the best in whatever I do, be it business or household. I try to
achieve the best while giving the best within my capacity. This
ambitious aim has made me to help the business to move in an upward
curve and remain at the peak.
Q. How do you face competition?
A. I consider every step as a new beginning. I engage in
business moves with an open mind to have room for perfection. Every
challenge provides a lesson and competition is no difference.
Q. What example do you provide others?
A. I am a person who likes to see smiling faces. For this I go
that extra mile in making others comfortable in whatever way possible.
My value proposition is change for the better and I work to reach the
desired level.
I am for sharing and caring and I want to provide inspiration in the
efforts to make a difference in our society.
Q. What is your specialty?
A. I am a qualified jewellery designer. I also have the
ability to do flower arrangements and making cakes.
I have made maximum use of my skills thanks to the business started
by my husband. My passion is for colours and I have a dream of having a
dessert parlour one day complimenting the culinary skills.
Q. What are your achievements in business?
A. We started in a humble way and the business has grown
steadily. We have a reputation as a supplier of quality and timely
technological products at affordable prices. We have a well connected
dealer network islandwide for greater accessibility. When looking back
from where we started and where we stand today, the entire journey is an
achievement. We have stayed in front and the difficult part is to
maintain this level.
The number of awards we won is testimony to our success. Among them
are Sala Enterprises became the overall award winner at the Infotel 2008
and have won Techno awards consecutively.
The GPS solution was commended at the recently concluded e-Swarnabhimani
event.
Q. What is your message to society?
A. The country needs socially conscious people and we need to
play a key role in the development process to make Sri Lanka a better
place. In realizing this, there should be a society that upholds family
ties and values to mould productive citizens thus making them prime
movers of economic progress. |