Anoma ventures from bakery items to 'Ran coconut Oil'

Sanjeevi JAYASURIYA

The multi tasking ability and 'never die' attitude paves the way for a long journey. Gathering experience through different ventures would lead to the realization, what the best suited course is necessary to be successful. Anoma Ranasinghe became well versed in the manufacture of bakery items initially and then shifted her venture to producing of virgin and yellow coconut oil under the brand name of 'Ran Oil' at present. Having tried for several years on several products, now her main operation revolves around the manufacture of coconut oil where she sees a positive demand in the local market. Her initial venture, the Finagle Lanka Bakery at Seeduwa, a family concern caters to the needs of people in and around Kottawa and Maharagama. Her struggle to find the best avenue of revenue generation, was well rewarded as her latest venture is poised to be a money spinner where a steady demand is anticipated. Anoma has set a shining example of what sheer determination, will power and self confidence can achieve, as she today steers a venture to strengthen local product manufacturer base thus helping the consumers to focus more on purchasing quality local products.

She was interviewed by Daily News Business.

Excerpts of the interview.

Q. How do you describe your line of business?

A. I was into several businesses including running a bakery, producing handloom products and sewing. Initially I supplied cakes for my father-in-law's hotel in Kottawa. This business grew rapidly and at times I was unable to meet the demand. I purchased my first oven Baby Belling at that time which had the facility of baking four cakes at a time. With the passing of time we started a bakery at Seeduwa with an USA and local partner. Later we bought over the bakery and it now operates under Finagle Lanka Bakery. This is a family concern.

After much research I ventured into producing virgin and yellow coconut oil under the brand name 'Ran Oil'. This is relatively a new product in the local market and I expect it to give me good returns. My husband has an 18 acre coconut plantation in Kurunegala where input for oil is supplied. It also has banana cultivation as a supplementary crop and now has converted in to cinnamon.

Q. How do you manage time to handle your personal life?

A. The unconditional support from my husband Mahinda has proved to be the driving force as I change my business proposition from time to time. We have three daughters Saranga, Surangi and Tharangi. The elder daughter is an IT Analyst in Australia and the youngest is a Supply Chain Process Manager in USA. Though the second daughter followed a course in hotel management she opted to be a housewife. The different facets of business avenues grew with our children and they were an important part of the process. Hence the time management was not difficult.

Q. What motivated you to venture into business?

A. The Hiniduma Convent Finishing School laid a strong foundation in my life where life skills were taught under a disciplined environment. All the students were given a thorough training and the two years at the finishing school groomed us to be multi skilled. This was a turning point in my life and gave the courage to start something of my own.

Q. What are your goals?

A. I work towards making 'Ran Oil' well accepted in the local market. The business will further expand considering the demand for the product. We will be supplying Ran Oil to the leading supermarkets and the retailers as well. While promoting my product, I will be providing a quality coconut oil manufactured locally.

Q. How do you face the challenges of competition?

A. The challenges of competition are the spurs for any venture. This results in better products or services for the consumers while forcing the producers or providers to become innovative and reasonable. The end result would be the up grading in standards and the fairness in prices. Hence, competition is not a challenge but an opportunity to strive for the best.

Q. What is your specialty?

A. I have displayed the characteristics such as determination, endurance and commitment and where it could lead one's life. I had ups and downs in my journey of over three decades. I changed paths and faced the adversity with strong will power to taste success. This is not an easy task. However, the results are encouraging and I was able to turnaround the outcome to reach the desired level.

Q. What are your achievements in business?

A. I ventured into different businesses and this gave me the opportunity to identify where the true potential lay. The success of the series of businesses was largely depended on the workforce. Without the worker we would have not been able to achieve so much. I enjoy what I am doing and the satisfaction I receive cannot be measured.

Q. What is your message to society?

A. If you have a will, there is a way and anything is possible. However, nothing can be achieved without making a sacrifice. Failures are the pillars of success and one should keep on trying. Never be afraid to try out things and to identify the true potential. It is not a waste and the experience will take you a long way. Do not be discouraged by social pressures and never judge a book by its cover, as the contribution by all the people is useful in the country's development drive. Be kind to others. There is no substitute for kindness. It is a virtue that is cherished by every one.

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