In Conversation with R. K. Lakmali From a Small Kitchen in Ambalangoda to International Markets
Her Story, Her Strength by Dr. Sulochana Segera
Five years ago, R. K. Lakmali never imagined that the sweets she prepared in her kitchen to support her children's education would one day reach customers across international markets. What began as a simple effort to earn a living has since evolved into GTS Products, a growing manufacturing and export business supplying products to five countries while creating employment for women in her community. Her journey has not been without hardship. Alongside the challenges of building a business from the ground up, she has faced financial struggles, personal hardship and domestic violence. Yet, through determination, continuous learning and an unwavering commitment to providing a better future for her children, Lakmali transformed adversity into opportunity. Today, she not only leads a successful enterprise but also empowers other women by creating flexible employment opportunities that allow them to earn an income while balancing family responsibilities. In this interview, she reflects on her entrepreneurial journey, the lessons she has learned and the message she hopes will inspire women to believe in their own strength.
Q: Five years ago, you started GTS Products as a small business, and today it has grown into a manufacturing and export company serving five international markets. What inspired you to begin this journey, and what were those early days like?
A: I never set out to become an entrepreneur. My only priority was finding a way to support my children's education, so I began making sweets in my kitchen to earn an income. At the time, I never imagined that this modest effort would grow into a business serving international markets. Determination kept me moving forward as demand increased, and I realised that success required more than making quality products. I invested time in learning about entrepreneurship, branding, marketing, packaging and business management. Registering the business was one of my biggest hurdles because I operated from a house that was not legally mine, but with guidance and encouragement from those who believed in me, I overcame that challenge. Starting with neighbourhood customers and school canteens, the business steadily expanded. A small loan allowed me to extend my workspace and employ two women. Today, GTS Products creates employment for women while proudly reaching customers in international markets.
Q: Your business now provides permanent employment for ten women while also creating opportunities for women who cannot leave their homes to work. What inspired you to create these opportunities?
A: Employment means much more than simply providing someone with a salary. When a woman earns her own income, she gains confidence, independence and the freedom to make decisions about her own life. Financial empowerment changes the way a woman sees herself and the choices available to her. This is something I understand deeply because I know what it feels like not to be financially independent. That experience has shaped the way I run my business.
The women who work with me do not always follow fixed working hours. Many begin after taking their children to school, while others bring their children with them or work later in the day after completing household responsibilities. I do not think of it as a formal flexible working arrangement. I simply want to create an environment where women can balance their family responsibilities while still earning an income. I also try to support women who cannot leave home because of illness or personal circumstances. One woman who worked with us had been diagnosed with cancer and struggled to pay for her medication. Rather than simply giving her financial assistance, I wanted to give her the dignity of earning that money herself. I provided work that she could complete from home for a few hours each day, allowing her to pay for her treatment through her own efforts. For me, that is the true meaning of women supporting women. It is about creating opportunities that restore confidence, independence and hope.
Q: You are a mother of three children, and while facing significant personal challenges, including domestic violence, you continued building your business. What gave you the strength to keep going?
A: This is a deeply personal question. I have experienced domestic violence, and although many people ask why women do not simply leave abusive situations, the reality is far more complex. Family responsibilities, financial pressures and concern for children often make that decision incredibly difficult. There were times I questioned why these hardships had happened to me, but whenever I looked at my three children, I found the strength to keep going. Every woman deserves to live free from violence, dignity and fear. Despite the challenges I continue to face, I refuse to let my circumstances define my future or the dreams I still hope to achieve.
Q: Many women set aside their dreams because of personal difficulties. From your own experience, what gives a woman the courage to rise again?
A: I believe every woman must first learn to value herself instead of allowing others to determine her worth. Too often, women build their confidence around being a wife or a mother, but those roles do not define who they truly are. A woman's value comes from believing in herself and recognising her own strengths. Like many others, I have experienced moments when I wanted to give up. During those difficult times, I realised the importance of never abandoning yourself. Even when everything else seems uncertain, you must continue believing in your own potential. Financial independence is also essential. It is not a luxury but a necessity. When a woman earns her own income, she gains confidence, expands her choices and develops the ability to make decisions about her future without depending entirely on others. That confidence becomes the foundation for rebuilding life, even after the most difficult experiences.
Q: You were recognised as a Diriya Kanthawa, or Courageous Woman Entrepreneur, by the Divisional Secretariat of Ambalangoda. What did that recognition mean to you?
A: Receiving that recognition was one of the most meaningful moments of my journey. For many years I was simply a woman working quietly within my own community. I never imagined that one day government officials would recognise the work I had done.
Being selected as a Diriya Kanthawa in Galle was deeply personal because it acknowledged not only my business achievements but also the challenges I had overcome while continuing to create opportunities for other women. The award represented much more than a certificate. It introduced me to many officials and professionals who encouraged me, offered guidance and shared valuable advice that helped me continue growing my business. Most importantly, the recognition gave me confidence. It reminded me that my journey mattered and that the work I was doing was making a real difference in the lives of other women. That encouragement inspired me to continue moving forward with even greater determination.
Q: You won First Place through the DIVA Project and were also recognised as the Best Entrepreneur at the Women in Management MSME Awards 2025. How did these achievements influence your confidence and the growth of your business?
A: The DIVA programme and the recognition I received through the Women in Management MSME Awards became major turning points in my entrepreneurial journey. They transformed me from being a small business owner in Galle into an entrepreneur with national recognition and international opportunities. I was selected to represent the Galle District in the DIVA Dathata Diriyak programme conducted by Hemas. The programme included three days of intensive learning followed by three months of mentorship. During that time, I had the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, including Dr. Sulochana Segera, whose guidance had a lasting impact on my development as an entrepreneur. After successfully completing the programme and the evaluation process, I was honoured to win First Place. That recognition gave me confidence and reinforced my belief that my business had the potential to grow much further. The training also helped me strengthen important aspects of my business, including financial record keeping, branding, marketing and presenting my products professionally. It opened doors to television exposure and introduced my products to online platforms such as Daraz, enabling me to reach a much larger customer base. Soon afterwards, I received the Best Entrepreneur award for the Galle District at the Women in Management MSME Awards 2025. Those recognitions significantly increased the visibility of GTS Products and introduced my business to larger companies and exporters. To me, these awards were far more than trophies. They created opportunities, built valuable connections and brought me closer to achieving dreams that once seemed impossible.
Q: You have transformed a small local business into an international venture exporting products to five countries. What was the biggest challenge in becoming an exporter, and how did you overcome it?
A: My journey towards becoming an exporter was made possible through continuous learning and the mentorship I received through programmes such as DIVA Dathata Diriyak and Women in Management. Those experiences gave me the confidence, knowledge and practical guidance to think beyond my local market. One of the most valuable opportunities came when I was introduced to the Daraz platform. I still remember the excitement I felt when, only three days after listing my products, I received an order from Japan. For someone who had started making sweets in a small kitchen in Ambalangoda, receiving an international order was an unforgettable moment. That experience completely changed the way I viewed my business. It made me realise that my products had the potential to reach customers far beyond Sri Lanka. As I continued expanding through Daraz and other business opportunities, Lakdiv Foods partnered with me as a local manufacturer. Through their export network, my products gradually entered international markets, including several countries in Europe. Looking back today, I sometimes find it difficult to believe how far this journey has taken me. From preparing sweets in my own kitchen to supplying customers across five international markets, every milestone has strengthened my belief that with determination and the right support, even the smallest business can achieve extraordinary success.
Q: Behind your success are the ten women who work with you permanently, along with others who contribute from home. How does it feel to know your business is creating not only products, but also income, independence and opportunity for other women?
A: I have never considered GTS Products to be my business alone. Every woman who works with me plays an important role in our success, which is why I always say, "We are producing." They take pride in their work and treat the business as their own, creating a culture built on trust, commitment and shared purpose. I believe women entrepreneurs do more than build businesses. We build communities that empower others. The quality of our products comes not only from our recipes but also from the dedication and care behind them. Seeing women become financially independent and support their families is my greatest achievement and the legacy I hope GTS Products will continue to create.
Q: Looking back on your journey from a small business in Ambalangoda to international markets, what message would you share with another woman who is still searching for the confidence to believe she can succeed?
A: My message is simple. Do not focus on where you are starting. Focus on where you want to go. Many people compare themselves with others and feel discouraged because they believe they lack money, education or opportunities. I want every woman to understand that success does not begin with having everything. It begins with believing that you already have enough within yourself to take the first step. Do not allow jealousy or comparison to distract you from your own journey. Instead of criticising another woman who is working hard to improve her life, learn from her, support her and celebrate her achievements. When women encourage one another, everyone becomes stronger. It is also important not to waste precious time worrying about criticism, gossip or other people's opinions. Those voices will always exist, but they should never determine the direction of your life. Every person's journey is different. Some begin with many advantages, while others begin with almost nothing. Your starting point does not decide your destination. What matters is your willingness to continue moving forward, even when the path is difficult.
