In a world where resilience, innovation, and compassion are powerful agents of change, Manoji Wadugodapitiya stands tall as a true force of nature. As the Managing Director and Chairperson of Pams Hydro Power (Pvt) Ltd., Arsulana Eco Lodge, and the Simply Women organisation, she has left an indelible mark on multiple industries and continues to inspire women worldwide.
In June, Wadugodapitya was named Entrepreneur of the Year at the Top50 Professional and Career Women Global Awards. Wadugodapitiya’s recognition as the 2023 Entrepreneur of the Year positions her as a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women breaking barriers in the business world.
Her success can be attributed to her ability to make calculated decisions, her fearlessness in the face of challenges, and her unwavering empathy for others. She leads by example and proves that with determination and dedication, one can create transformative enterprises that positively impact society.
The Sunday Morning Brunch caught up with Wadugodapitya for some insight into the small ecosystem she has created that allows her to give back to women and communities every day, all while not depending on any external sources for funding.
Sustainable energy driving empowered communities
Building a small empire takes versatility, and Wadugodapitiya attributes her wide variety of skills and fortitude to her time spent as an air hostess as a young woman. “If you work in an airline, you can work anywhere,” Wadugodapitiya shared. “You get exposure and training in everything from grooming to makeup to safety to food and beverage to wine tasting.”
At the helm of Pams Hydro Power (Pvt) Ltd., Wadugodapitiya ventured into the renewable energy sector with a vision of creating positive change in Sri Lanka. Her entry into the field was by accident. When supporting her husband (a surgeon) to build a small hospital, Wadugodapitiya came across a 50-acre block of land near Kitulgala with a river running through it. Her father-in-law was an engineer, and at that time, hydropower was a business that came with a buy-back guarantee from the Government.
This is not to say there were no challenges that came with setting up a hydropower plant. However, undeterred by challenges, she transformed a 50-acre jungle land into a successful 3 MW hydro power project. For the past 17 years, Pams Hydro Power has supplied electricity to the national grid, contributing significantly to sustainable energy solutions in the country. Wadugodapitiya’s dedication to the environment and passion for renewable energy have been instrumental in shaping the future of the power sector in Sri Lanka.
Pams Hydro Power wasn’t the only way she found to build sustainable business in the area. With the establishment of Arsulana Eco Lodge, she demonstrated her commitment to providing employment opportunities and promoting sustainability for the local community. Asrulana Eco Lodge was a neglected planter’s bungalow when Wadugodapitiya discovered it. “The planter’s name was Arsu and he had been in love with Lena, a Swedish woman, which is what led to the name Arsulana. I was fascinated with the story,” she said of how Arsulana Eco Lodge first came to be.
By converting this neglected planter’s bungalow into a thriving lodge and adding standalone chalets, Wadugodapitiya not only created over 100 jobs but also conserved 40 acres of the estate, turning it into a sanctuary for endangered species. Her approach to hospitality exemplifies how businesses can make a positive impact on both the local community and the environment.
Empowering women, changing lives
Wadugodapitiya has faced many personal challenges in life, among them being losing her husband at an early age to an incurable illness. This, as well as her childhood, has always left her with a deep commitment to giving back to the people around her.
“I didn’t come from a super rich family. My parents were always giving to those less fortunate. When my husband fell ill, I realised that the only thing you take with you when leave your life behind is the good that you do,” Wadugodapitya said, adding that the years immediately after her husband’s passing were very dark years for her, but led her to become stronger and find ways to provide strength to other women who were struggling.
In fact, of much of Wadugodapitya’s journey has been influenced by the empathetic, persevering spirits of her parents: her late father who served as the Medical Administrator of leading hospitals in Kandy and her mother’s spirit of caring and sharing also played a vital role in shaping her character. As a mother of two children and following the unexpected demise of her husband, Wadugodapitiya channelled her energies into empowering other women through her Simply Women foundation.
As the visionary behind the Simply Women organisation, Wadugodapitiya has empowered over 100,000 women to become financially independent. The organisation, funded entirely by the proceeds from Pams Hydro Power and Arsulana Eco Lodge, has become a beacon of hope for women below the poverty line. Offering training in various trades, Simply Women has enabled women to earn a livelihood and support their families.
Wadugodapitiya shared why it was important to economically empower women: “When money comes into the picture, everything changes. Based on what I have seen first-hand and the people I have dealt with, I find that it stops 80% of abuse. Of course, counselling is very good when it comes to abuse, but it doesn’t always work in our part of the world; secrets can often be exposed, resulting in further abuse at home.
“However, once a woman is financially powerful, 80% or so of abuse is stopped. A woman earning makes a big difference in her life. She gains respect from her husband, her children, her in-laws, and her family. I strongly feel that all women must do something that brings them economic empowerment, especially after they’re married and have children, even if it is as simple as making marshmallows. If you’re good, people will come and buy and vendors will ask you if you can supply them with larger quantities.”
Beyond its direct work with empowering women, Simply Women also provides support to the homeless elderly, funds cancer projects, constructs houses for the less fortunate, and assists religious places, leaving no stone unturned in Wadugodapitiya’s quest to create positive change in society.
The personal hallmarks of a great leader
As someone who has effected such change through her various companies and initiatives, Brunch asked Wadugodapitya what qualities have helped her blaze the trail that she has. One is her fearlessness and drive to succeed. She is unafraid to take risks and takes decisive action to address social issues such as employment, education, health, and discrimination.
Next is walking the walk. She doesn’t merely speak about charity; she takes concrete steps to bring about tangible change in the lives of those she supports. She has unwavering faith in her ability to find solutions, no matter the obstacles. Her passion for helping others propels her forward, guiding her through doubt and uncertainty.
Looking ahead, Wadugodapitiya shared that she hoped to see the Simply Women foundation thrive, having trained at least 200,000 women, with the next generation of young women carrying the torch and expanding the foundation’s reach. She is also immensely proud that despite the challenges of the past few years (Covid-19 and the economic crisis), she has not only been able to keep Simply Women active and driving change, but has also not had to let go of personnel or reduce salaries at any of her other businesses.
In fact, Wadugodapitiya shared that she paid her personnel above market value and saw this as another form of empowerment. For example, her employees are always paid on time and also have a very calming work environment, with a bungalow on the property for staff to relax in and a full-time chef to provide them with nutritious meals.
“When you give, you get. There are powers and gods above. They have various names. I believe in one God who protects us and when you do good, God protects you. I have over 200 workers with me and I have never not been able to pay salaries. I have never failed and this is because of God and everything good I have done.”
Wadugodapitiya’s journey is a testament to the power of determination, innovation, and compassion in driving positive change and empowering women. Her accomplishments in the renewable energy sector, hospitality, and social initiatives have gained global recognition and admiration. As she continues to pave the way for future generations of women, she stands as a beacon of hope, proving that one can achieve remarkable feats and make a lasting impact on society with resilience and dedication.