In the world of entrepreneurship, success is often defined by resilience, innovation, and the ability to turn challenges into opportunities.

Ms Damayanthi Suraweera, Chairperson/CEO of MHN Holdings, embodies these qualities, leading one of Sri Lanka’s most prominent manufacturers of plaques, medals, name boards, signboards, badges, hotel accessories, and promotional items.

Her dedication to excellence and business acumen have earned her the Silver Award for Best Woman Entrepreneur (Category Winner) at the prestigious Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) Sri Lanka Awards.

With over 15 years of experience in sales and marketing, Ms Suraweera leveraged her industry insights to establish MHN HOLDINGS & MHN INNOVA (Pvt) Ltd. Over the past eight years, she has expanded her company’s reach, embracing cutting-edge manufacturing techniques, fostering a culture of innovation, and championing the empowerment of women in business.

What inspired you to start your business, and what were the key milestones in your entrepreneurial journey leading to this prestigious recognition?

Inspiration:
• Fifteen years of experience as a Sales and Marketing Manager provided deep insights into customer needs, market trends, and operational excellence.
• Key clients from my previous company not only trusted my capabilities, creativity, and service but also encouraged me to start my own venture. Their confidence reinforced my belief that there was a market for high-quality customised products.
• Recognising a growing demand for a variety of products—including plaques, medals, name boards, promotional items, and hotel accessories—inspired me to establish MHN HOLDINGS & MHN INNOVA (Pvt) Ltd eight years ago.

Key Milestones:
• Securing our first major corporate client, which established our credibility and laid the foundation for future growth.
• Expanding our product portfolio to include:
• Plaques, medals, name boards, signboards, badges, and key tags.
• Mug and tile printing, laser cutting, and engraving.
• Promotional items and a full range of hotel accessories, including hotel signages.
• Investing in advanced manufacturing technology to enhance precision, quality, and efficiency.
• Building a strong, skilled team dedicated to shared goals while expanding operations to serve diverse customer needs.
• Achieving industry recognition through prestigious awards such as the Prathibhabhisheka Award, which validates our commitment to excellence and growth.
• Family support played a vital role—providing emotional backing, guidance, and practical assistance that enabled me to make bold decisions while balancing my professional and personal life.

Women entrepreneurs often face unique challenges in the business world. What were some of the biggest obstacles you encountered, and how did you navigate them?

Challenges Faced:
• Establishing credibility in a male-dominated industry:
• Despite my extensive experience, launching a woman-led business required persistent effort to build trust and establish brand reliability.
• Securing funding and managing financial risks:
• Overcoming financial constraints in the early stages necessitated careful financial planning and reinvesting profits for sustainable growth.
• Balancing professional responsibilities with family life:
• Managing a growing business while fulfilling family commitments required strong time management skills and a solid support system.
• Building and retaining the right talent:
• Finding and nurturing a team that aligned with our values and vision took time but was crucial for long-term success.
Navigating These Challenges:
• Delivering exceptional service and quality consistently helped build lasting client relationships and overcome initial scepticism.
• Reinvesting in the business facilitated sustainable growth and allowed for technological and operational improvements.
• Leveraging strong relationships with previous clients and industry peers reinforced our market presence.
• Relying on family support provided the resilience and motivation needed to persevere.

What leadership principles do you follow to drive innovation and growth in your business? How do you stay ahead in a competitive market?

Leadership Principles:
• Leading by example: Actively engaging in day-to-day operations to inspire and motivate my team.
• Customer-centric approach: Prioritising customer needs and exceeding expectations to build brand loyalty.
• Commitment to continuous improvement: Embracing new technologies and refining processes to enhance quality and productivity.
• Empowering employees: Encouraging my team to take initiative, contribute ideas, and grow professionally.
• Employee welfare and support: Recognising that our team’s well-being is key to our success, we ensure their needs are met by providing food, accommodation, and financial assistance through loan schemes, incentives, and annual increments. We also offer two bonuses per year and plan to introduce a medical and insurance scheme in the 2025/26 financial year.
• Adaptability: Staying flexible and open to change, allowing us to seize new opportunities and adjust to market dynamics.
Staying Ahead in a Competitive Market:
• Continuously monitoring industry trends to anticipate changes and innovate accordingly.
• Investing in modern manufacturing techniques to improve efficiency and maintain high quality.
• Building strong relationships with clients and suppliers to ensure reliability and mutual growth.
• Maintaining a strong brand presence through consistent quality, excellent service, and proactive innovation.
Winning the Prathibhabhisheka Award is a testament to your contributions to the industry.

How do you see your business making a lasting impact on the economy, society, and the next generation of women entrepreneurs?

Economic Contributions:
• Creating employment opportunities by hiring and training local talent.
• Supporting local suppliers and contributing to regional economic growth through strategic partnerships.
• Strengthening the manufacturing sector by delivering high-quality customised products that set industry benchmarks.
Social Contributions:
• Empowering women in the community: Providing part-time work opportunities for women near our workshop, enabling them to achieve financial independence while balancing family responsibilities.
• Ensuring employee well-being: Offering essential amenities such as food and accommodation creates a supportive work environment that fosters productivity and loyalty.
• Strengthening community ties: Our comprehensive employee support programmes—including financial assistance, loan schemes, and planned medical and insurance benefits—demonstrate our commitment to our team’s well-being.
Impact on Future Women Entrepreneurs:
• Mentoring and inspiring emerging women leaders: Sharing my entrepreneurial journey to encourage more women to enter and excel in traditionally male-dominated industries.
• Creating a model of inclusive success: Demonstrating that balanced growth, strong team support, and community involvement can drive lasting economic and social change.

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to become entrepreneurs, and what key lessons have you learned on your journey to success?

Advice to Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs:
1. Believe in yourself: Confidence and self-trust are essential to overcoming challenges.
2. Embrace challenges as learning opportunities: Every setback is a stepping stone to growth.
3. Surround yourself with a supportive network: Mentors, peers, and family can provide invaluable guidance and encouragement.
4. Work hard with your team: Success is built on collective effort—commit to excellence and build a strong, recognised brand.
5. Focus on brand strength: Consistent quality and exceptional service will establish a solid reputation.
6. Invest in innovation and continuous learning: Stay updated on industry trends and be open to adopting new strategies and technologies.
Key Lessons Learned:
• Hard work pays off: Consistent dedication leads to stability and brand recognition.
• The power of team support: Treating employees well—including providing financial incentives, accommodation, and welfare benefits—fosters loyalty and long-term success.
• Family support is invaluable: Their encouragement can make a significant difference in navigating challenges.
• Resilience and adaptability are key: Entrepreneurship is a continuous journey of learning, evolving, and growing.

Final Thoughts:
Winning the Prathibhabhisheka Award is more than just a personal achievement—it is a testament to the dedication of a committed team, the unwavering support of family, and a community that shares our vision. MHN INNOVA (Pvt) Ltd stands as a symbol of hard work, innovation, and inclusivity, empowering employees while inspiring the next generation of women entrepreneurs to break barriers and pursue their dreams with confidence.