Takas.lk founder has big hopes for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's largest e-tailer Takas.lk has made its mark since its debut in 2012.

Started by chief executive officer Lahiru Pathmalal along with two friends, Takas.lk has grown over the years, currently selling over US$200,000 each month with 38 employees in its fold. In a write up by CNBC, Pathmalal, a 34-year-old Sri Lankan who studied in the United States and Australia describes himself as a risk-taker, choosing to work in a psychiatric ward for children with behavioural disorders in the US and as a field researcher in war-torn Afghanistan while his peers pursued more mainstream careers. "I started Takas in 2012 because I felt that with my educational background and work history, none of the corporate entities in Sri Lanka will hire me," he told CNBC. However, the article says Pathmalal does not view his return to Sri Lanka as the country's civil war ended as a risky bet. He told CNBC that Sri Lanka today is vastly different from the Sri Lanka he grew up in. "People here are breaking lots of boundaries and technology is empowering entrepreneurs. I feel now, more than ever, there are more reasons to come home."

However, he says he understands why some of his peers prefer to work abroad, particularly skilled IT professionals who can command a larger pay overseas.

Official figures show that nearly 300,000 nationals emigrate from Sri Lanka every year, out of a population of about 22 million; seven per cent of those leaving are professionals.

However, the article states that Pathmalal has faith there are opportunities to make an impact in his home country. "I believe we can make our mark here, much faster and much more prominently than we would elsewhere," he said.

"So my personal belief is we will conquer Sri Lanka first, be the top e-commerce site and in the next five to 10 years, given our geographical positioning and logistics, become a regional player catering to both Pakistan and South India." (NG)