- We also run a home for homeless elders, distribute monthly dry rations to 50 families, support cancer projects, construct houses for the needy, and provide assistance to religious places.
She is a true force of nature, making waves in multiple industries and empowering women along the way. As the Managing Director and Chairperson of Pams Hydro Power Private Limited, Arsulana Eco Lodge, and Simply Women Organization, she is a trailblazer deserving of admiration.
Her exceptional achievements have earned her nominations for esteemed business awards, both nationally and internationally. Most notably, she was recognized as the 2023 Entrepreneur of the Year at the Top50 Professional and Career Women’s Global Awards, a prestigious accolade presented by Women in Management, Sri Lanka, in partnership with IFC (a subsidiary of the World Bank) and Australian Aid. Her career has been marked by resilience and a commitment to driving positive change. Leading Pams Hydro Power Private Limited, she ventured into the renewable energy sector, transforming a 50-acre jungle land into a successful 3MW Hydro Power project.
For the past seventeen years, her project has supplied electricity to the National Grid, contributing to sustainable energy solutions in Sri Lanka. Not stopping there, she extended her impact to the hospitality sector with Arsulana Eco Lodge. By converting a neglected planter’s bungalow into a lodge and adding standalone chalets, she created over one hundred jobs for the local community. What sets her apart is her dedication to sustainability, as she conserved forty acres of the estate, providing a safe haven for endangered species.
As the visionary behind Simply Women Organization, she has empowered over a hundred thousand women to become financially independent. The organization, funded by her Hydro project and Eco Lodge, offers training in various trades, enabling women to earn a livelihood. But her impact doesn’t end there. The organization also supports homeless elders, cancer projects, and constructs houses for the less fortunate. Her unwavering determination, innovative thinking, and commitment to social change have gained her recognition on a global scale.
As the recipient of the 2023 Entrepreneur of the Year Award, she serves as an inspiring role model for aspiring entrepreneurs and women breaking barriers in the business world. Her ability to make calculated decisions, combined with her fearlessness and empathy, set her apart from the crowd. Looking to the future, she envisions starting a construction company that focuses on restoring old structures and fulfilling dreams. dership and dedication to making a tangible difference, she is paving the way for the next generation of women to continue her transformative work.
Her journey showcases the power of perseverance, innovation, and compassion in driving positive change and empowering women in Sri Lanka and beyond; Manoji Wadugodapitiya.
When did you start your career and where did you work?
I began my career in Accounting at Ernst & Young.
What led you to venture into the renewable energy sector?
My late fatherin-law, who was an engineer, used to discuss the topic of Hydro Power. This sparked my curiosity, and when I came across a 50-acre jungle land for sale, I took a chance and purchased it. With the support of many, I built a 3MW Hydro Power project that has been supplying electricity to the National Grid for the past seventeen years.
What inspired you to invest in the hospitality sector?
Initially, my motivation was to provide employment opportunities to the local community. I came across a neglected planter’s bungalow on the estate and restored it into a lodge. As demand grew, I expanded by adding stand-alone chalets. The project also aimed to promote sustainability for the local community and conserve the natural environment.
Could you provide a summary of your personal journey?
I have an older sister and a younger brother living in Australia and the UK. My father served as the Medical Administrator of two leading hospitals in Kandy. I inherited my father’s fearless strength and adventurous nature, while my mother passed on her spirit of caring and sharing. I am a mother of two children, and after the unexpected demise of my husband, I devote my time to empowering women below the poverty line through my Simply Women foundation.
Can you share details about the Simply Women Organization and its initiatives?
The Simply Women Organization, established in 2015, is funded by the income from my Hydro project and Eco Lodge. We have trained over a hundred thousand women in various trades, enabling them to earn a living. We also run a home for homeless elders, distribute monthly dry rations to 50 families, support cancer projects, construct houses for the needy, and provide assistance to religious places. We have donated over 10,000 industrial machines to those who have mastered the art. One of the projects closest to my heart is teaching a trade to inmates at Welikada Prison.
What are two game-changing initiatives the country should implement to revive the Power and Energy Sector?
To revive the Power and Energy Sector, I believe Sri Lanka should focus on increasing tariffs and ensuring timely payments, which would encourage new investments and sustain the industry. Additionally, a comprehensive package to revitalize the renewable energy sector should be introduced, recognizing the benefits of low-cost electricity production and its positive impact on rural areas.
How do you manage to move forward despite people telling you that your ideas won’t work?
While I listen to advice, I have faith in my ability to make calculated decisions. Once I make a decision, I move forward with determination to achieve my goals, regardless of the obstacles. I maintain a positive attitude, never looking back with regret, and provide leadership to my team.
How do you differentiate yourself from others?
I differentiate myself by being fearless, driven to succeed, and dedicated to giving back to society. My mission is to help and fight for those who have no voice, addressing issues such as finding jobs, education, money, health, discrimination, and harassment. I believe in taking action rather than just speaking about charity, making a tangible impact on the lives of others.
Have you ever doubted yourself or questioned your actions?
Perhaps I am considered crazy because I am always actively involved in solving problems and empathizing with others. I rarely take time to relax or enjoy a luxurious lifestyle. However, I never doubt myself and keep going until I find solutions. My passion for helping others drives me forward.
Who inspires or mentors you?
My parents have been my greatest inspiration. My father’s fearlessness and relentless energy, demonstrated during challenging times, and my mother’s empathy, gratitude, and generosity have shaped my character and choices.
What is your biggest fear and how do you manage it?
My biggest fear is that there will be no one to continue the work I have started after I am gone. Unfortunately, in this materialistic world, I cannot find a solution to this concern.
What has been the most significant achievement in your career so far?
One of the most fulfilling opportunities in my career was gaining the trust and permission of prison authorities to closely interact with female inmates. Being able to make a difference in their lives and share their thoughts and feelings helped me overcome a challenging period in my own life.
Do you believe Sri Lanka can recover from the current economic crisis, and how long do you think it will take?
I strongly believe that Sri Lanka has the potential to recover from the current economic crisis. With its spiritual richness, history, culture, scenic beauty, and the intelligence and passion of its people, the country can develop rapidly. With inspiring leadership and a change in mindset, recovery is certainly achievable.
Have you faced harassment or discrimination throughout your career?
I have been fortunate enough to never experience harassment or discrimination. The maledominated energy sector has been supportive, and I believe that carrying oneself with strength, courage, and dignity is essential as a woman.
Where do you see yourself ten years from now?
In ten years, I see myself still working passionately. I hope to establish a construction company focused on restoring old and dilapidated structures, making people’s dreams a reality. I also envision the Simply Women foundation having trained at least 200,000 women, with the next generation of young women taking over and growing the foundation.
