Financially independent.

W.G Ayeshika (Age 20) lives in Ginigathhena in the Nuwara Eliya District with her parents. Ayeshika’s father is an Army Officer and about two years ago due to an illness he was discharged from the Army and the family was faced with many financial difficulties. Ayeshika’s mother sustained the family by plucking tea leaves at a nearby estate during this period. During this time Ayeshika visited a relative’s place in Ratnapura who was engaged in producing joss sticks and foot wear. Her father’s past unemployment status and desire to find an independent source of income for the family spurred Ayeshika’s interest in engaging in a similar business of her own. Ayeshika obtained enterprise development trainings on manufacturing joss sticks and foot wear through utilizing BMI’s Enterprise Development Coupons and in September 2014 Ayeshika obtained her first loan of Rs. 20,000 from BMI to commence her own business.

With this loan Ayeshika commenced her small business by purchasing the required raw materials for her businesses.  Ayeshika’s mother also assists her in this business and she produces around 12 dozen joss sticks a month and around 12 pairs of footwear. She mainly sells these items to local shops and also to local garment factory workers. Ayeshika is able to earn a profit of Rs. 5,000 – 6,000 per month through her small business and is very happy that she is independent and able to earn her own income without being a burden on her parents.