With the growing trend in locally produced ethical agriculture in Sri Lanka, Mr. Saman Kumara started his local enterprise ‘Sandaliya Mushroom’. He had slowly but surely grown his business to more than 40 out-grower systems when the Enterprise team of Chrysalis first met him. Kumara has employed 10 women and trained more than 100 out-growers: after recruiting these out-growers, he provides them with a package, which includes training, mushroom seedlings and herbal treatments. Aided by the Enterprise grant, he was able to increase the supply of seedling packets going out to the out-growers to 30,000 exceeding its previous capacity of 15,000. He has also increased the packets of fresh and ethically produced mushrooms from 600 to 3,000 daily. The video is in Sinhala language; English subtitles are available.
The Enterprise project funded by the European Union Delegation to Sri Lanka and Maldives and implemented by Chrysalis aims to create an enabling environment for women and youth to create and participate in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Targeting the Uva and Central Provinces, it will use inclusive business models to celebrate the diverse perspectives and experiences of those involved while ensuring profitability. Enterprise will also incubate enterprises, and seek to amplify women and youth voices in economic decisions and influence over SME policies that impact them.
