Ten years ago, a small idea took shape in a spare bedroom: A simple yet ambitious vision to reshape the fragmented digital landscape. Today, Antyra Solutions stands tall as one of Sri Lanka’s leading integrated agencies, having partnered with over 500 clients in 14 countries. Its journey, marked by resilience, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of results, is a testament to what can be achieved with creativity, collaboration, and determination.
From its humble beginnings to becoming a Google Premier Partner and a global force in digital marketing, Antyra’s story is a compelling narrative of growth, challenges, and breakthroughs. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Antyra on 10 January held an event where it looked back on its journey and explored its vision for the future.
The spark that started it all
For co-founder, Chairperson, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Niranka Perera, the digital revolution of the early 2010s was both an opportunity and a challenge. “When we started Antyra, the landscape felt fragmented,” he recalled. “Many agencies specialised in one or two services, pushing their offerings rather than tailoring solutions to meet clients’ goals.”
With this gap in mind, Niranka, along with co-founder and Director Rohan Jayaweera and Director and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Naveen Marasinghe, set out to build something different – a consultative agency that would define success through measurable outcomes. The early days were far from glamorous. Antyra’s first campaigns were created in a small room, fuelled by passion, grit, and a shared belief in the power of innovation.
One of their initial campaigns, cheekily titled ‘Have Beards, Will Manage Candidates’, turned heads, even catching the attention of a Vice President at a global firm. It was a moment of validation for the fledgling agency. From there, Antyra secured its first clients, including a cinema chain that trusted the team to deliver something unique.
Building a legacy
Over the years, Antyra has grown from a tight-knit group of dreamers into a powerhouse of nearly 60 team members. Reflecting on the company’s success, Niranka was quick to credit the people who have shaped its journey.
“Naveen was employee number one. Today, he’s our COO and a director of the company. Rohan set the standard for design, and Manesha, with her versatility, helped us organise operations in the early days,” he shared. “Our team’s dedication and adaptability have been the foundation of our success.”
This commitment to fostering talent has been a hallmark of Antyra’s approach. Every member of its digital marketing management team started as an intern, growing within the company to take on leadership roles. This culture of learning and collaboration has ensured consistency and resilience, even in the face of challenges.
For, like any journey, Antyra’s path has not been without hurdles. From economic instability to the complexities of scaling operations, the agency has faced its share of challenges. Yet, it has always emerged stronger, guided by a clear sense of purpose and a willingness to adapt.
One example of this resilience is the return of a former team member who rejoined Antyra after exploring opportunities elsewhere. “He thought the grass was greener on the other side, but he came back,” Niranka laughed. “And we’ve been making him work for it ever since!”
As Antyra celebrates its journey of 10 years, it is also looking to the future. The agency plans to expand its team by 30-40% and deepen its investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and software development. These initiatives are aimed at staying ahead of market trends and continuing to deliver value to clients worldwide.
In addition to its technological advancements, Antyra remains committed to fostering a collaborative culture. “Our success wouldn’t have been possible without our team’s resilience and our clients’ trust,” Niranka emphasised.
A decade of impact
Antyra’s results-driven ethos has consistently delivered measurable outcomes for clients. The agency has driven over Rs. 15 billion in online transactions for Sri Lankan brands, increased e-commerce revenues by up to 500%, and helped local businesses thrive in global markets.
One notable success story is that of a Sri Lankan tea brand in Australia, which saw its online sales grow by 300% with Antyra’s support. “We start by understanding what success looks like for each client,” explained Niranka. “From there, we map out a phased plan, always aligning with their vision.” This client-centric approach has earned Antyra global recognition, including multiple awards and a Golden Globe Tiger Award Winner.
Innovation has been the lifeblood of Antyra’s journey. Over the past decade, the agency has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible, blending technical expertise with creative flair.
One of its most ambitious ventures is Antyra AI, a suite of tools designed to revolutionise industries like hospitality. For example, the team is developing a natural language processing solution that enables real-time language translation for hotel reservations. “Imagine a customer speaking Russian being seamlessly understood by an agent in Sri Lanka,” said Niranka. “This kind of innovation not only enhances customer experiences but also opens up new revenue streams for businesses.”
Antyra is also investing in cutting-edge web technologies, such as 3D animation and interactive design, to elevate digital experiences. These capabilities are poised to redefine product websites, creating immersive and engaging platforms for global audiences.
The 10th-anniversary celebration was a fitting tribute to Antyra’s journey – a night filled with gratitude, laughter, and a glimpse into the future. Team members past and present gathered to reflect on their shared achievements and toast to what lies ahead.
Niranka, in his closing remarks, said that seeing all those gathered at the anniversary celebration was a reminder of how far the organisation had come. “It’s been an incredible journey, and I can’t wait to see what the next decade holds for Antyra Solutions,” he added.
As the evening drew to a close, one thing was clear: Antyra is not just an agency; it’s a family. A family that has grown, innovated, and thrived together, driven by a shared vision to make a lasting impact in the digital world.