Enterprise: Keshara Lime Industries

Founder: Mr Jeewamal Jayawardane & Mrs Kumari Jayawardane

Industry: Manufacture of pulverized lime, agricultural lime, hydrated lime, lime filler, whiting and other lime related products

Year it was founded: 1994.                                                                                                                         

Location: Kegalle, Pallekele, Moratuwa

There is no specific age or time to start a business, the only requirement is a right vision and a strong plan. So, we had a conversation with Jeewamal Jayawardane, the chairman of Keshara Lime Industries, a successful business that was built little by little by laying the correct foundation for his dream at a young age. So, let us know his story from himself.

1.       Firstly, shall we talk about starting of your business?

After leaving school in 1994, I started a business to introduce innovative products to the market, challenging the traditional lime industry. With the blessings of my faith and commitment, the business was able to develop to its present status and now "Keshara" has become a SLS certified market leading and popular brand in lime powder manufacturing industry. At present we have a factory in Kegalle Malpana area that uses modern technology, and are continuously improving to maintain the high quality of our products.  Dolomite production (for use as fertilizer) can also be called as one of our main products.

2. How does your business differ from other competing businesses?

Our main objective is to provide our products to the customer at a reasonable price. We consider word of mouth advertising as the marketing strategy. So, it has been successful and the reason for that is our high quality of service. Also, we are unique in being able to significantly reduce production costs due to the facilities available to purchase raw materials from nearby areas.

3. What challenges have you faced in this journey and are you facing any recently?

Indeed, if we talk about challenges, the main challenge is the labor shortages we face because the new generation is reluctant to work in industries like this. Also, some difficulties and delays in obtaining approval from government agencies are another challenge.

4. Let's talk about your future business dream, shall we? 

My future dream is to become the market leader in this business field by introducing innovative products using modern technology and to enter the export market.

5. How was the support received from Commercial Bank during your journey?

Commercial Bank has been with me since the beginning of my journey. Commercial Bank was the only bank that considered my proposal when many major banks rejected my loan application without even looking at my project proposal. Although my business was in the initial stage, their interest on this project was remarkably high. Indeed, it was because of their support that we were able to build our head office building in Kegalle. Since then, Commercial Bank has been the main banker of our business.

6. What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Throughout the journey of our business, we have faced many challenges, and those challenges are also the secret of our business success. Because every time a new challenge arises, I used to work harder and more dedicatedly. So, my advice is that it is extremely important to accept the challenges and commit to battle them. Finally, always give your customers 100% value for money.

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