More chances to climb business ladder when young :

Entrepreneur sets an example

Ramani KANGARAARACHCHI

Sujee Suriyaaratchi

Taking to a career at a young age in whatever field has many advantages. When it comes to business a person has more chances to climb the ladder even faster.

Managing Director Suri Trading Company (Pvt) Ltd, Sujee Suriyaaratchi, an entrepreneur has set an example to young people by starting his career as a teenager and achieving his objectives.

He was interviewed by Daily News Business.

"I had nine years' experience in the pharmaceutical trade at different levels when I became an entrepreneur at the age of 28, because I started my career early in life. It was a humble beginning at my home in Wattala, he said

Sujee was the second child in a family of three boys and he studied at Maris Stella College, Negombo and St. Peter's College, Colombo. Soon after his Advanced Level examination in Commerce subjects he joined the private sector as a medical representative.

"I picked up the work faster than a person who studied Science subjects and was promoted as a Regional Manager, he said. He is a member of Chartered Institute of Marketing as well.

Strong network

In 1999 Sujee started his business with the father with an investment of Rs 50,000 which he borrowed from his uncle. He converted the garage at his residence into an office and built a strong network with the people whom he knew since his medical representative days.

"I first imported surgical disposables from China and distributed them islandwide through my network.

"Meanwhile, I met a top Managing Director from Malaysia in the pharmaceuticals business when he was in Sri Lanka to promote his products, namely, Appeton a Vitamin C syrup and Booster energy drink. He gave me USD 5,000 as a loan to promote them in Sri Lanka.

"I imported their products and promoted them in 2002. This became a huge success. It has a big demand even today," he said. He supplied these products to all supermarkets in the country.

Expands business

One year later, Sujee registered his business as a limited liability company and expanded the business further with 15 distributors and one national distributor islandwide including the North and East. Today he has provided employment to 65 people in his company. He receives immense support from his wife who is the Accountant and Directress of the company.

Strategy

Sujee is the sole agent for around 250 products and most of them are popular among women for weight management, Appeton Wellness 60+ is suitable for sick and bed-ridden people. "I never imported cheap or poor quality products, therefore, people have much confidence in them, My strategy is to build brands using advanced communication," he said.

Employees at work

Asked about the challenges he faced at the beginning, he said, "It was not a rosy road. Whenever I had financial difficulties The Hatton National Bank came to my rescue.

After I expanded business there was insufficient space at my home where I started. Therefore, I rented out a place and after some time the owners wanted it back and I had to go in search of places.

This encouraged me to buy a plot of land and construct a two-storied office building where I am today, he said. I like to advise the younger generation on what I have experienced. If you feel like starting something do it immediately without hesitating. Develop it gradually and you will be successful, he said.

Vibrant businessman

Asked about the secret behind his success, he said, "I always wanted to become a vibrant businessman and I worked very hard towards my goal.

The support I had from my parents, wife and my energetic staff was my success. I believe in my religion and respect other religions and I have this blessing for my success. Once I got the opportunity to migrate to Australia but I did not do so because I realized that I could do better in my country with my talents," he said.

Sujee's future plans include setting up a manufacturing plant to produce snacks. He hopes to import machinery for the purpose in the near future.