A healthy business from herbal seat pads

INNOVATIVE BUSINESSMAN: The history of medicine in Sri Lanka has been fashioned over the centuries. 'Ayurveda' a combination of two Sanskrit words meaning science of life is still popular among many. Ayurvedic medicine was familiar to him, as his father was an Ayurvedic doctor. He wanted to do something innovative with the herbs. Thus he started making seat pads using herbs.

"I started the business four years ago in a very small way. My wife can stitch and we had one machine only when he started his business," Managing Director, Shakya International Company and Director, Monaragala District Chamber of Commerce Lalith Nandika said.

He manufactures Ayurvedic seat pads for all kinds of beds/chairs including vehicle seats and hospital beds. "I manufacture herbal chair pads, vehicle pads, bed pads, exercise pads and medicated neck guards. All these are new products.

These products can be used in air-conditioned rooms and vehicles without any undesirable odour. Contents of these products include ingredients such as Uluhal (Fenugreek), Kollu (A medicinal cereal), Aratta (A medicinal tuber similar to saffron), and Savandare (A medicinal grass with a pleasant smell)," he explained.

He hopes to produce a shoe guard with herbs in future. "These products are washable and can use them for at least three years. They are in keeping with the standards and Ayurveda Department has certified my work," he said. "When the products became fairly popular I expanded the business. At present I employ ten people in the area.

Around five people supply me herbs collected from the close by forests," he said. Nandika won the bronze award for the best product in Uva Province at the CNCI Achiever of Industrial Excellence 2005. Participating in the Peace Bridge trade fair in Kandy organised by the Business for Peace Alliance (BPA) boosted his business.

"Through BPA I met a lot of businessmen from other regions. It gave me the opportunity to market my products. I could reach many areas because of BPA," he said.

Nandika has captured the international market with rare unique products. "I export to Japan, Italy and Korea. I hope to export to America very soon. In Sri Lanka my products are available in super markets. Only I do this business in Sri Lanka. My wife helps me a lot to develop this business," he explained.

"Artificial covers are unhealthy. Chemicals cause various sicknesses. These pads are with excellent heat control, absorption and medicinal effects for people who are especially sitting and resting on rubber, plastic and synthetic cushions for long hours. Its medicinal effect is an ideal solution and relief for gas buildup, puffiness, bloated stomach, piles, gastric troubles and aches in hip and body," he said of the values of the herbs used for the pad.

"For a month I manufacture 3,000 body sheets and around 100 bed pads. I get a lot of orders but I cannot supply because of several problems. Cost of production is high in Monaragala. People are reluctant to start businesses. Transport problems also hinders the businesses. Reaching the market is a huge problem. Country can earn foreign exchange.

Tourists are interested in these herbal products," he explained. Nandika pointed out that the industries in the rural area should be paid attention to. "Even though people start industries they are not sustainable. Transport issues should be solved to develop the businesses," he said.