Anula Priyadarshani Fernando is so dedicated to helping society that she is a part of nine community organizations, in which she holds various offices. This includes Sarvodaya, which she has been a member of since the organization first established a presence in the area. “I can’t leave my posts even if I wanted to, because there is no one reliable to take over my responsibilities” she laughs.
She and her husband moved to Trincomalee over twenty years ago with very little money. Because of the dangers associated with the war, her husband’s gem trading had to cease soon after they moved here. The couple opened up a small “fancy goods” shop, selling miscellaneous items including stationery, toys, accessories etc. to make a living. “Thanks to this shop we now have a house and piece of land of our own” says Priyadarshani with a smile.
A long time participant in business development programs, Priyadarshani has won numerous awards for her work, especially her craft work. The INSPIRED program was primarily a way for Priyadarshani to continue her love for community service, rallying around her colleagues and friends who needed help and encouragement. One of them, the sister of Jabarulla (another participant from the community) now sells her handcrafted bags through Priyadarshani’s shop.
Never having had children of her own, Priyadarshani has a soft spot for the school children who are the primary beneficiaries of her business. It is why she dutifully opens her shop at 6.30 a.m. everyday. No stranger to hard work, she opens her shop seven days a week except on Poya holidays.