Maneesha’s clear vision brought her success

The ability for hard work is a gift where women could excel if the right attitude is there. In a competitive world, identifying opportunities pave the way for lucrative revenue generating avenues. Having the passion for event management and architectural services, Maneesha Kannangara ventured into three different categories where she succeeded in all. Her far thinking ventures proved that she had identified the market needs correctly which brought her overwhelming success.

Her ventures are Victory Exhibition and Convention (Pvt) Ltd, Independence Architectural Homes (Pvt) Ltd and Silver Bird International (Pvt) Ltd. The three ventures, related to event management, architectural services and project consultation have captured sizable market share in respective businesses.

Her pleasing manner and positive outlook has been the winning combination where her ambition and targets have both been achieved with a time frame despite numerous obstacles. Maneesha has a clear vision of the goals to be achieved in her journey towards becoming a force to be reckoned with in her chosen fields.

She was interviewed by Daily News Business. Excerpts of the interview.

Q. How do you describe your line of business?

A. We are into service oriented business of event management. The company Victory Exhibition and Convention (Pvt) Ltd which operates under the tag line ‘events! memories for a life time’ was started in 2006. The office is situated at Independence Avenue, Colombo 7.

The event management solutions provided include exhibitions, trade fairs, conferences, seminars, product launches, corporate evenings, promotions, road shows, grounds, live events, fashion shows and award ceremonies.

The other services provided by the company include stages, IT solutions, lighting, artist management, model coordination, wedding management, theme events, production of jungles, TV commercials, printing solutions and recruitment. We provide organizational support to individuals and businesses.

We plan methodically to give cost effective solutions and services to clients where hassle free event could be conducted on behalf of the client. We take care of every minute detail enabling a memorable experience.

We have also ventured into providing architectural services by launching Independence Architectural Homes (Pvt) Ltd. together with Silver Bird International (Pvt) Ltd, a project consultant company. The architectural company is a turn key company which provides consultancy services on designing, construction and interior, all three services being provided under one roof.

It began in 2009 and we are doing quite well. With the construction boom in the country the business is picking up and even the event management business is improving with peace that has enabled MICE tourism to flourish.

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

A. We are born with a multi tasking ability and I make maximum use of it to further develop my businesses. The inspiration and the guidance provided by my husband Madawa Wattegama is invaluable. We work towards reaching our goals collectively and effectively.

Q. What motivated you to venture into business?

A. The vacuum in the selected business areas were a driving force behind the setting up of these ventures. When it comes to event management, there are not many reputed players compared to the needs of the individuals and the corporate.

As we provide a personalized and dedicated service, we have a constant flow of orders. We consider meeting the time factor to be the key in this business with 100 success rate. With corporate world opting for a professional organization to handle its event management, there is much potential in this field. The construction company was set up to capture the booming industry soon after peace and this decision paid dividents. We also facilitate investment delegations to the country to promote construction related activities.

Q. What are your goals?

A. The event management business which operates under the tag line of making the event a lasting impression, I like to make this company the most preferred choice among both individuals and corporate clients. I want to see my company as the best organization to provide networking opportunities from its clients.

The aim is to be the best networking platform to connect right people for right ventures.

Q. How do you face the challenges of competition?

A. Healthy competition is good for the business. It always makes one do more and makes sure that the product is unique. In the customer perspective, the end user will benefit from healthy competition where value for money would be assured. It is also important that the customer is knowledgeable to select the correct service provider among the many.

Q. What is your specialty?

A. My forte is event management. I have won the trust,confidence and admiration for my work. The architectural company too is close to my heart. I cannot separate these two companies as I have equal passion for both. Once you have completed an event and receive positive feedback it brings along huge satisfaction. We work as a team and both ventures provide pleasant experiences.

Q. What examples do you provide others?

A. In today’s context, most business entities are profit oriented and move forward purely on monitory gains. This should not be the case. Monitory considerations are important but it should never take precedence over service.

In this regard the business world needs an attitude change, as we do not see the sale level of enthusiasm, dedication and commitment from the younger generation.

Q. What are your achievements in business?

A. The best reward you can get is a satisfied clients endorsement. I consider the testimony from the client to be above any achievement. As an organization, it is good to win recognition. In keeping this in mind I have applied for an award and awaiting the outcome.

Q. What is your message to society?

A. You need to do things in a right and professional manner no matter how difficult the job is. Good things come to those who wait, but better things come to those who work for it.

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