Padma Vinodhahewa and her husband, Palitha made a living by making leather bags and belts for almost 8 years. They had 7 employees working under them. The Tsunami completely destroyed their business. Six months after the tsunami SED-Galle sub office, Matara helped to get their means to livelihood back on track.

Initially, Caritas SED-Galle’s Matara sub office discussed the situation with Padma and her employees. Thereafter a Self Help Group (SHG) by the name of “Sampit Ekamuthu” was formed. The group members consisted of Padma, her 7 former employees and two new tsunami affected villagers. Caritas SED-Galle provided the group with equipment and material worth LKR.273, 000 namely, 2 new Juki machines, one large table, 6 benches and raw material. Three damaged machines which were used previously were also repaired. In addition to the 10 members in the group another 2 people also joined the group to strengthen it. The group was then further strengthened through leadership and management trainings.” says Padma. 

Each of the group members were appointed for a specific task. The female group members engaged in the production while the men, with marketing. “Each member is a shareholder of this business and I am happy that they are no longer employees working under me but that they are shareholders working alongside me.” says Padma

The group manufactures 50 bags per day. “Most of our products are sold within the month, however the numbers increase according to the new orders that we get.” says Padma