In the quiet hills of Matale, central Sri Lanka, verdant
landscapes of spice gardens, paddy fields, and small-scale agriculture define
the local economy. The district is a tapestry of ethnic and religious diversity,
with communities coexisting across rural villages and plantation estates.
Despite this rich cultural and natural wealth, many young people in Matale face
limited opportunities, often entering the workforce unskilled due to low
enrolment and retention rates in primary education among both boys and girls. According
to the UNDP Multidimensional Vulnerabilities Impact Report, these educational
gaps contribute to fragile livelihoods, high levels of unemployment, and the
prevalence of precarious informal employment. Against this backdrop of untapped
potential and economic vulnerability, small enterprises have the power to
transform local communities by creating meaningful work, building skills, and
fostering inclusive growth.
Venasa Caterers stands as one such example, where vision and
perseverance meet opportunity. A humble kitchen that blossomed into a vibrant
model of inclusive, sustainable enterprise. Venasa Caterers, founded by Sugath
Udagedara in 2018 and formally registered in 2019, is more than a catering
service. It embodies resilience, compassionate leadership, and community driven
growth deeply rooted in Sri Lankan culture. Today, Venasa Caterers serves
nearly every major government institution in the Matale district, from the
Divisional Secretariat, Police, and Zonal Education Offices to diplomatic
events, handling up to 90% of local government food orders. This remarkable
growth, achieved through word-of-mouth alone, reflects not only the quality of
the service but also Sugath’s commitment to creating opportunities for local
people. He mastered every aspect of the business on the job, from using cutlery
and serving diplomats to plating and managing large-scale events, demonstrating
a steep learning curve guided by humility, adaptability, and a vision for
inclusive, community-centred enterprise.
Catalyst for Change: Venasa Caterers’ Journey of
Inclusion and Sustainability with FICE
Sugath first learned of the Chrysalis FICE programme through
the Divisional Secretariat. With its support, Venasa Caterers received
essential catering equipment buffet sets, steamers, and other tools—that
immediately elevated both operations and professional presentation.
“These tools elevated our service and we can now cater with
efficiency, maintain hygiene, and meet demand with confidence.”
Beyond equipment, the FICE project also opened new
perspectives through training. The insights he gained proved transformative. He
began to see his enterprise not only as a livelihood but also as a platform for
youth empowerment, inclusion, and social coexistence. By integrating better
business planning and sustainable practices, Venasa Caterers evolved into more
than a service provider. It became a vehicle for inclusive growth, shaping
opportunities for others while strengthening community bonds.
An Inclusive Employment Model
At the heart of Venasa Caterers’ success is its deeply
inclusive employment model one that directly reflects the values reinforced
through the FICE project. Sugath recruits across ethnic, age, and gender lines,
ensuring that his workforce mirrors Sri Lanka’s rich diversity. Older workers,
often displaced or unemployed, are engaged in packaging and preparation; young people,
many from marginalized estate-sector communities, are hired for service roles.
To support them, Sugath provides accommodation, uniforms, and meals, creating a
“family-like environment” where Sinhala and Tamil, men and women, youth and
elderly, work side by side.
“Our business needs both young and older employees, and I
believe everyone here truly deserves their place. I can see that the young boys
especially are enjoying their work.”
Through FICE mentoring, Sugath began to view his enterprise not only as a
business but also as a social ecosystem. He introduced measures that strengthen
inclusion and wellbeing: a uniform system that instils pride, and a
zero-tolerance policy on alcohol or drug abuse that promotes safety and
professionalism. Once plagued by high turnover, Venasa Caterers now retains a
loyal core team, with some members serving for over four years a rare
achievement in the catering sector.
While lack of capital has slowed construction of a
purpose-built catering facility and the recruitment of additional staff, FICE
insights have helped Sugath develop strategies to expand inclusivity. He is
actively creating opportunities for part-time female staff in
client-interaction roles, recognizing both the confidence it instils in young
women and the positive image it projects for the business.
“It boosts our image, and gives young women the
confidence to shine in front of large crowds,”
On the management side, training through FICE project
encouraged him to adopt structured practices, such as outsourcing
administrative tasks like EPF/ETF contributions, tax filing, and auditing to
professionals, freeing his time for operations and growth. He has also begun applying
small but impactful learnings from FICE mentoring sessions, including improved quality
monitoring systems, more transparent financial practices, and strategic
approaches to scaling. These incremental but deliberate changes reflect the
transformative influence of the project, equipping entrepreneurs not only with
tools but with the mindset to embed inclusivity, sustainability, and resilience
into every layer of their businesses.
A Small Business Championing Progressive and Inclusive
Measures
Sugath envisions a purpose-built, eco-conscious catering
facility that generates employment, responds to community needs, and sets a
standard for sustainable business practices. He already has the land, the plan,
and the vision. What remains is the capital to bring it to life.
With continued support from programmes like the Chrysalis
FICE initiative, as well as new strategic partnerships, Venasa Caterers has the
potential to serve as a national model of how small enterprises can scale while
staying rooted in equity, culture, and care. The next phase of growth will
allow Sugath to embed practices that strengthen green innovations, expand
inclusive hiring, and deepen workplace systems that ensure dignity, fairness,
and opportunity.
By maintaining diversity, equality, and
inclusion as guiding principles, Venasa Caterers exemplifies how responsible
business can drive both social impact and sustainable economic p
