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SEVA VANITHA 229

women’s workplace productivity,
emotionality, and safety. In this
regard, mothers and the teachers
at schools have a big role to play.
When we teach our kids to be
assertive, we give them skills they
can use in almost every situation.
They are better able to express their
needs and they are less likely to fall
victim to bullying and victimization.
It is important to teach boys to treat
their sisters and women in general
fairly and equally. This starts from

home and school. Fortunately, there are some people and organizations that are working to empower
women and create global gender equality. When I became the CEO, people reached out to tell me
that I have inspired them to succeed. I was very touched and humbled, and inspired as well since
I realized the younger generations want more for themselves. When I was young, I did not want a
career, but nowadays these young girls want it. That is a big and welcoming change indeed.

Looking back at your career path, what do you see as the driving force for your success?

First, I was not scared of taking up challenges since with sports I had learnt to face challenges. We
fear challenges because we are afraid of failing. I was confident that I could face any challenge since
I had learnt the lessons from failure. Secondly, I wanted to give my children a better life. I had to
make sure I did not fail. That gave me the strength to go forward. Third, and the biggest is support I
have been getting from my company, it is truly praiseworthy. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance
is not only important for health and relationships, but it can also improve productivity and ultimately
performance. We have that culture here at Hemas and we do cherish that working environment.

In your hectic professional schedule, how do you balance your career and personal life as a
mother and daughter?

I have learnt to strike a balance between my life at work and my life at home. Once I make the
decision to prioritize one over the other in a particular situation, I don’t get upset or complain about
the decision I have made. I live with it. Having said that, my kids also didn’t have a mum whenever
they needed me, and the fact that they love me in spite of that makes me believe I did something
right. My mother sacrificed a lot for me and my sister, hence if my mother needs anything I would
drop everything and be there for her. I think eventually your heart will tell you what needs to be done.
In Sri Lanka, what do you think are the factors influencing the lack of women in leading positions in
the corporate sector compared to other countries?
Many young women choose children over career since the options to balance both are not too
visible. But, if you want you could have both, if you choose the right organization, you know what you
want, and you have support. You can be productive at work while still giving your children the care
and attention you would love to give them. In this regard, her husband and family members should
stand by her and work together as a team. Whether it is daily routines or achieving long-term goals,
women need support from their family and friends. Employers too have a role to play here as they
can help young mothers prosper by creating an environment where women can succeed by being
who they are.

May we know about your Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives?

Hemas as a part of our efforts to bring healthful living to our nation work towards ensuring that
no child is left behind. Through our flagship project “PIYAWARA” we have to date built 58 pre-
schools in the remote parts of the islands, with more in the pipeline. We are also proud to have
initiated ‘AYATI’ to champion children with disabilities because we believe in the potential of the next