“Crafting has always been in my blood,” says 19-year-old Y. Lalithya Sandumi, whose innovative spirit led her to become one of the top 10 finalists in the SPARKS competition 2023, organised by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. SPARK is a unique competition focused on developing entrepreneurship skills, equipping young entrepreneurs with the tools they need through comprehensive boot camps and mentorship programs.
As a student at Seevali Central College, Ratnapura, Lalithya’s journey from a craft-loving child to an entrepreneur is both inspiring and unconventional. Her product, “Artistic Rock,” showcases her passion for blending tradition with innovation. “Growing up in Ratnapura, I was surrounded by gemstones,” she said.
“But what really struck me was how many semi-precious stones were discarded because they weren’t considered valuable enough. That’s when the idea hit me—why not turn these overlooked stones into something beautiful and meaningful?” Beginning of her entrepreneurial journey Lalithya’s entrepreneurial journey was sparked by her participation in the “Know About Business (KAB)” program organised by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. “That program opened my eyes to the world of business,” she recalls.
“It made me realise that I could turn my passion into something bigger, something that could make a difference in my community. Later, learning about the SPARK competition further solidified my desire to become an entrepreneur. The compe.