Quality, hallmark of Asanga’s success

Having correct ingredients to be an entrepreneur will always brings positive results and there are many women entrepreneurs in our country who are doing extremely well. They provide inspiration to our younger generation and also help generate employment opportunities not depending on the government to find jobs. Starting from a car business that her brother-in-law built, Asanga Kottegoda Ekanayaka has today ventured in to diverse fields realizing the potential and never ending appetite for success. From the small scale car business, the Smith Clan Group of Companies at present stands tall among the respective sectors of automobile, food and hotel.

Asanga work tirelessly to achieve end goals and never compromise on quality which is the hallmark of her journey throughout the 25 years of conquering the business world. As the Managing Director of Smith Clan, she ventured into businesses that successfully reached both the local and export markets ensuring the stability and sustainability. She believes in team work and has close rapport with her customers in fulfilling their requirement by prompt actions.

The upward movement of the Group of Companies is a testimony for her commitment and courage where Asanka is ambitious of creating a global brand 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 started Smith Clan (Pvt) Lt as an auto collection and agro venture taking further the already existing car business of my brother-in-law. The business was conducted at a building at Pepiliyana Road Nugegoda which is the Head Office at present.

We diversified the business in to hotel sector as we saw the opportunities by constructing Hotel Oasis (Pvt) Ltd, a hotel in Hambantota. We added another hotel Oasis Ayurveda Hotel in Ambalangoda which is a unique property mainly concentrating on Ayurvedic facilities. Smith Foods (Pvt) Ltd was set up to produce coconut oil of premium quality.

The Smith Virgin coconut oil is been exported to Japan, Taiwan, China, UK, Germany, Canada and America. We supply to the local market at a premium price in limited quantity.

We have registered suppliers to provide coconuts and among the products are coconut cream, coconut water and coconut oil which are of high grade. The Smith Clan Group of Companies also has two members, Ovin Gasses (Pvt) Ltd and L.C.W. Holdings (Pvt) Ltd under its wing.

Q. How do you strike a balance between family life and business?

A. My husband Lalith Ekanayake is an ex Army officer. Our two daughters Eshini and Asheni are studying abroad. Eshini is doing a Masters Degree in Economic Politics at UCL University in UK while Asheni is studying at the Culinary Institute of America following a Degree in Food Industry.

I have more freedom to engage in business now. However, it was difficult when they were small. As I believe in doing a perfect job I strive my best to meet the challenges, targets and deadlines always.

Q. What motivated you to venture into business on your own?

A. I was interested in hotel industry as my father was an Architect and the work he was involved fascinated me. I had a passion for interior designing and hotel business provided an ideal opening. I wanted to do something productive and grab the opportunity provided by my brother-in-law to run his business.

Q. What are your goals?

A. I work towards further improving the businesses and want the Smith Clan to be a force to reckon with. The car business has gone through a bad patch as the government changed the tariffs recently.

We are also in to agriculture sector and coconut industry is having a good future.

Q. How do you face the challenges of competition?

A. We do things in our own way and competition is never a drawback for us.

The hotel sector is thriving and we work towards carving a niche market. We have repeat clients and confident that the industry growth momentum will continue. However, the coconut industry faces with price and production fluctuations as it is a seasonal product.

This poses a threat for us as we need to compete with the international market on price and quality. We always try to be ahead on service delivery.

Q. What is your specialty?

A. With regard to coconut products, all our products are 100 percent organic. This is why there is a premium price as well as quality.

This is the future and we are confident of the further growth of the export market. We aim at providing healthy products to the local market.

Q. What are the key points in your journey?

A. My husband has given me a free hand to run the business. I do most of the business dealings and build contacts with both local and foreign clients. I am grateful to my two grand mothers who inspired me a lot. Both my parents moulded me to be strong and ambitious and I have taken most of my father’s qualities. I am also thankful for my brother-in-law for the opportunity given to prove myself.

Q. What are your achievements in family life and business?

A. The work has been recognized by way of awards. I won the Runners-up award for Best Local Raw Material and also the Best Natural Food award presented by the Sri Lanka Food Processors' Association. I will be receiving the Lanka Puthra Diriya Kantha Vishwa Abhimani award by the Samastha Lanka Nena Guna Padanama next month. These awards reflect team work and the credit goes to the Chairman and the entire staff. It has been a pleasure to steer this company and see it is moving from strength to strength. I enjoy working and have tremendous job satisfaction.

Q. What is your message to society?

A. I believe in honesty, integrity and commitment. A job undertaken should be discharged in an exemplary manner regardless of the challenges you face. As Sri Lankans where we value our culture and ethics we need to live within these boundaries. We need to value people and be a person of quality. Family comes first in all matters and one should live in harmony, peace and happiness.