The Foundation of Goodness (FoG) is extremely happy and proud that a business enterprise it initiated - to help and uplift a section of under privileged people in Seenigama, is prospering.  The Coir Yarn & Brush Handle Factory, which was initiated after the 2004 tsunami, has grown to be the best of its kind in the entire southern region of the island.

The Coir Yarn & Brush Handle Factory initiated by FoG, is now a huge success

Confirming this success story Mr. Harish Balahewa, Assistant Manager Purchasing of Ravi Industries Ltd’s Galle Production Unit, attributed this achievement to the quality and volume of the finished paint brushes produced.  Ravi Industries is the forerunner in the local brush industry and has been so for many years. Today there exists a good win-win relationship between the two enterprises.

The Coir Yarn & Brush Handle Factory had very humble beginnings. The enterprise launched under FoG’s livelihoods initiative was the brainchild of top US volunteer Nicholas Kreider, who also worked hard to get it off the ground while Mercy Corps USA funded the factory building and the equipment and resources to set it up. Today, the ten youth who worked hard and tirelessly to ensure the Brush Factory is profitable, are the proud owners of this enterprise. After eighteen months of managing it Kushil Gunasekera FoG’s founder/trustee handed over the stake to the workforce who had previously been coral miners. For these workers, ably led by manager Mr. Kumarawadu Upul Jayantha, this has been more than a dream come true. In reality a legitimate and profitable business has replaced the previous illegal livelihood these people had engaged in.

Staff hard at work at the enterprise
that runs 7 days a week

Now empowered - thanks to the Foundation of Goodness, these workers are reaping the benefits of their time and labour. The enterprise has been making good gross profits of around Rs. 225,000/- per month. Flexibility seems to be another key to their success. “We do not hesitate to give them orders. They work around our timetable and meet our targets and deadlines with minimum defects. The enterprise is managed very well “ says Mr. Balahewa of Ravi Industries Ltd. The Coir Yarn & Brush Handle Factory understands the business very well and is in production seven days a week, except for Poya days. 

Expansion is key to the growth of this enterprise

So what does the future hold for The Coir Yarn & Brush Handle Factory? Mr. Balahewa would like to see the relationship grow to the next level. Explaining he said “we would like to give them more business, but right now they are producing at full capacity. They need to expand - bring in more machinery and increase their workforce. This will also open more job opportunities for the people of the region.“

With potential to grow into something bigger for the larger benefit of a rural community, the Foundation of Goodness is happy the seed it sowed is bearing fruit and wishes The Coir Yarn & Brush Handle Factory every success.

“Success has nothing to do
with what you gain in life or accomplish yourself.
It's what you do for others.”
 – Danny Thomas

2008.10.20