When I was little I wanted to be a veterinarian!” exclaims Anoka Abeyrathne. “But, thanks to a lot of negativity—you should be a doctor, I was told—I eventually pursued law.” Anoka’s turning point came during the tsunami when many lost loved ones, including her. “While I was grieving I tried to figure out what I can do to make sure another wave doesn’t hit us,” she tells me. “That’s when the mangrove project began. I was 13-years-old when I started to Sustain Solutions, the organization, and Growin’ Money, the flagship program to plant mangrove trees.”
It was a time before social media was popular and many people looked at her wondering how someone so young would know anything. But, by involving religious and community leaders, and other adults to help carry the message to as many people as possible, Anoka shared why they needed to be a part of it. A business that started as 6 people has expanded to 5 countries. “Back then, I never could’ve imagined the success we’ve had!” she laughs. “We have teams across the world working on advocacy and lobbying governments. There are so many more aspects to it. We work with corporates, have partnerships, CSR events, and more. It’s grown into something with a life of its own!”
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April-June 2020-Ausgabe von Cosmopolitan Sri Lanka.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April-June 2020-Ausgabe von Cosmopolitan Sri Lanka.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
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Letting go of fear
Oozing confidence, Shalindri Malawana learned a long time ago how to take on anything life thrust at her.
Conservation and care
Savera Weerasinghe’s career, from a non-profit to the manufacturing industry to sustainability, has always had a single common theme: start small, think big.
A woman with a cause
Shiandra Gooneratne is in a bat t le against an age-old enemy and plans to make a difference
Telling stories making space
Nabeela Yaseen created a platform for women and girls to feel safe, seen, and supported. She never expected just how many of them would need it.
Saving the environment
Anoka Abeyrathne, a conservationist and social entrepreneur, is only just getting started
Doing her own thing
Shifani Reffai has done a lot of different things. But she’s done them all her way.
Dance etched in her veins
Thajithangani “Thaji” Dias lives and breathes dance
Changing mindsets
Randhula De Silva, CEO of Hatch and Director of GIZ, is a disrupter at her core. And she’s just get ting started.
A guide to making it big in your career
It 's in the details
How To Watch A Movie Alone And Have The Best Time Ever
Movie marathon, anyone? No? Cool, I‘ll go solo!