For what might now equate to my tenth visit to Sri Lanka since 2010, I'm compelled, as so often has been the case when pacing down Bandaranaike's airport terminus on my way home, to write something.
Chryslalis' Executive Team - August 2024, Blue Water Hotel, Waduwa.
Chrysalis, a social enterprise that morphed out of the closure of CARE Sri Lanka in 2016, after half a century of CARE's commitments to local communities here, has since grown its staffing from two dozen to over 125 colleagues. Simultaneously reaching hundreds of thousands of Sri Lankans, with interventions designed to support business, community, and the future of the country.
COVID-19, and a catastrophic economic turnover in 2022, has not stopped the advancement of Chrysalis' work and the resilience of its team.
They are, to quote Tina Turner, "simply the best".
This trip was to discuss their plans for the future, as a Board Member, and a friend still to many of the team who I have known since the start.
Ashika Gunasena, Chrysalis' CEO.
Their CEO, Ashika Gunasena, is a force of nature, and an ardent supporter of women's rights and investment in the country's young men and women. She and her husband came to our wedding, in Galle, back in January 2020 and, with confidence, I can say that her leadership qualities are one of Chrysalis' secret success ingredients.
Ashika has inspired those around her to inspire others.
And what inspires Ashika? All the dedication and expertise that is embedded in Chrysalis' field teams and local experts. In that way, Chrysalis' unique model is all about 'flow'. Up and down, and across their organization, colleagues listen and learn from one another, and leadership is inspired not just from "the top" but from every corner. This weekend has reinforced more formally just how critical this human connectivity really is.
With political tensions afoot, due to upcoming Presidential Elections, and social unease always bubbling under the surface, Sri Lanka continues to tentatively navigate an escape route from their 2022 economic malaise.
School children flying kites on Galleface Green, Colombo.
Colombo is a small enough city to have made demonstrable improvements since I first came here, but this is yet to materialize. "The city desperately needs a facelift" claimed one of our Board to me over the weekend.
As the north and east of the country slowly but optimistically open up to new infrastructure and commercial opportunities, many millions of citizens still rely on day-to-day increments of money from which to get by.
Just a few hundred metres from the plush, but rather raggedy hotel we stayed in 40 kms south of the capital, local life ambles on. The warm and genuine smiles remain – they are quite unlike any other in that regard – and the comradery and chirpy disposition of everyone you meet lifts the gloom of economic and social realities, and lights a way forward that is impossible not to embrace. Much like the bright beams you catch at this time of year through the brooding, grey clouds and the constant drizzle and random monsoon downfall - the authentic charm of Sri Lanka is through its human touch.
Chrysalis is in great shape and, I predict, will flourish still more. Whilst it's mission to empower women and youth is laser focused, its services are broad reaching and adaptive - from the provision of training to businesses on gender and diversity, to connecting artisans to more profitable markets, or advocating for the rights of workers to safer and more dignified workspaces.
There is a grounded, gutsy heart to the voice of this organization, made up of staff hell-bent on actually changing systems and societal norms. These are colleagues who stand for those most in need, but they do that by standing by one another.
Conducted over a long public holiday weekend, our discussions went on into the evening and no one complained. Field teams were driving 7 hours home on the final evening and were back at their desks first thing the next morning first thing. The tempo on display here is relentless, as can so often be the case in the non-profit world.
Tight budgets and challenging local surroundings often surface some of the most innovative solutions and endear those closest to the "work" with a commitment that counts quality and integrity above all else.
I head back home inspired once more and thank Ashika and her team for that. Chrysalis is making positive changes in society and 'walking the talk', where so many others fall short.
For more information about their work check out Chrysalis | Catalyze Inclusive Growth for Women and Youth (chrysaliscatalyz.com) or drop me a line. I'll be sure also to share more on their programmes soon, over on http://www.definitelymaybe.me.
Chrsyalis' sights are now firmly set on the road ahead.
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