Name: Niranjala

Making rugs for the export market turned Niranjala’s life around.

'From the moment I joining SAPSRI, I knew that it was going to make a big change to my life. Before, I had no life beyond the kitchen and making coir yarn at home. The knowledge I gained by taking part in SAPSRI’s workshops made me a new person with a new outlook on life.

I was selected for a seven-day training program on making rugs. I was determined to make maximum use of this training, and left my younger child with my aunt to concentrate fully on the training. After a full day’s training, I practiced what I learnt at home till late into the night. SAPSRI staff members visited the training centre and it was announced that I was the best trainee in the group; it was one of the most memorable days in my life.

With the training I received I started making fancy rugs for the local market. It has made a big difference to my income and my lifestyle.  SAPSRI staff also introduced me to an exporter, and, with the encouragement and support I receive from SAPSRI, I have established a small group to act as a supplier to the export market.

SAPSRI has given me strength and determination. I know that I have a long journey ahead of me, but, with support and encouragement, together with my dedication, I am quite confident of achieving my dreams.

The coconut fibre on its own is weak, but the coir skeins that are made from it are strong. The ropes created from these coir skeins are even stronger. In the same way, SAPSRI has gathered us together as a community and made us strong. ‘