2020_Women_In_Enterprise_Srilanka  

Caption

"Ranji runs a mill in Sri Lanka producing rice flour, chilli powder and other products. Before the coronavirus pandemic, Ranji was planning to expand the business so that she could train and employ more local women."

Background: Ranjithamalar: Food Business in Sri Lanka

52-year-old Nadarajah Ranjithamalar, runs a business called ‘Ranji Local Products’ in Kilinochchi in the North of Sri Lanka.  Her food production mill was established in 2018 with support from Chrysalis, CARE’s affiliate in Sri Lanka via the Women in Enterprise programme, supported by H&M Foundation.  Chrysalis provided support with training which included bookkeeping, health and safety and marketing.  Chrysalis also provided financial support to build the mill and buy machinery. Ranji has set up a mill producing nutritional flour, chilli powder, rice flour and other products. With her husband, she also cultivates their paddy fields during the rainy season.  Ranji’s husband supports her in the operation of the mill, including support with packaging and marketing.  As well as supplying local shops, her products are also sold in the capital of Colombo and other big cities.  She employs 12 women and one man in her business.  Ranji has a strong focus on creating job opportunities for women living in poverty in her community.  In 2019 she won ‘Best Entrepreneur Award’ in her area.  Before the coronavirus pandemic, Ranji was planning to expand the business so that she could train and employ more local women.