Ramani Fernando

Jolting business reverses which would have driven the zeal out of an average entrepreneur, have, apparently, only steeled the resolve of Ramani Fernando, the founder of Marita Soft Toys, Kalutara, to not only remain in business but to also find foreign markets for her colourful wonders.

The commercial potential in soft toys was first impressed on her by her husband’s former boss, an employee of the Rehabilitation Ministry, when the couple was resident in Maggona.

‘My first product was a cloth snake of dazzling colours which proved an instant favourite among both foreign and local customers. I recall Lak Medura making an order for 25 of these snakes and from that point onwards my business fortunes were on the rise. Encouraged by the sales the snake brought me, I stepped into the production of other cloth creatures, which also proved great attractions among customers’, Ramani told ‘The Sunday Island’ in an interview.

These initial successes enthused Ramani into setting- up shop in a private zoo in Ahungalle, and there too her goods were very much in demand until misfortune struck. A knock-out blow to her growing business venture came in the form of an accident at the zoo, where a lion gravely injured a child who happened to fall into its den. This tragedy forced the closure of the zoo and brought her enterprise to a grinding halt.

But she did not remain in the doldrums for long because she had established a reputation for herself as a maker of marketable toys. Being much sought after among business intermediaries, who were in touch with external markets, Ramani soon reestablished herself in business, with the assistance of her husband, who decided to venture into business full time.

More prosperous times just seemed to be dawning for Ramani when tragedy struck again, this time in the form of the devastating tsunami deluge of 2004. Her enterprise was reduced to shreds by the tidal waves but not her entrepreneurial spirit.

Even while confronted by these bleak prospects it was her desire to be as self-supportive as possible. Summoning all her courage she set herself up in business once again, this time in Kalutara, with the assistance of the Kalutara Trade Chamber which provided her with three Juki sewing machines.

Very soon she was back in business, even profiting from an export niche in the Maldives.

Although now seeing better times, Ramani has not forgotten her duties towards her fellow humans. Testifying to her humanity and broad-mindedness is her decision to employ two hearing-affected persons and a member each from the Muslim and Tamil communities.

Her business is indeed a happy union of profit and service. She is appreciative of the hand of co-operation extended to businesses such as hers by the Business for Peace Alliance (BPA), a friend of the SME sector.