Stay small and play with your toys

15 years ago when I started Avanke`I decided to keep it small always. It was more than a company… it was a philosophy that I clung to right through a difficult journey. I believed that honest communication works and wins at the end and I still do. However, I knew that on this journey I would have to travel alone. I knew that I will not have Clients lined up near the gate. I couldn’t afford to hire people and go after big fish. After all, I am a small fish with a limited capacity. I have to act within my capabilities. The pond is small and all of us will die if I had taken on big fish into this pond of mine.

Did I have big dreams back then? Well yes, I did. I decided to dream big but stay small and that has been possible during this last 15 years

The Inspiration did not come from within and like all dreams I cannot take credit for it.

I knew the day would come where my dreams would come but until then I decided to stay under the radar. I decided my family was my biggest Client. I took on assignments that I could handle and whenever the job was bigger I did not hesitate to call in the experts, work together and share the profits. I was able to spend time at wildlife resorts, go overseas and work in Bahrain, travel all around Sri Lanka, meet so many interesting people, work with diverse organizations;- work with Private Sector, Public Sector, Civil Society, Industry Associations, Educational Institutions, Politicians, International Clients, Government of Bahrain (Through Third Wave International), NGO’s and religious organizations.The Pond became bigger and big fish did come and yet I remained small.

I even managed to complete my degree during this time at the ripe old age of 55.

I have moved on from advertising to internal communication, public relations and research.

From building the idea- “Avanke” now as the CEO of Marga Institute I am involved in strengthening a center of development studies, a civil society initiative, and a research organization.

Actually, I have been able to live my dream all this while.

I couldn’t have done this without almighty God and lesser gods and mortal beings that life had bestowed upon my life.

My dear loving wife who always believed in me and loved me unconditionally.

My Sons -Gehan, Malik, and Yohann for giving me a reason to fight this battle of life,

My parents who supported what I believed in,

My Brother Nimal, my two sisters Delaine and Neliya,

My in-laws, Lalit, Felix, Manik, Susirith, Rony, Nelun, Dilip, and Harin,

And my dear friends, associates, and believers

My partners who helped me to achieve big things- Adrian, Aubrey, Chamin, Dilip, Kasun, Neel, Nimantha, Niranga, Ravi, and Thiru

And finally, thank you to all my clients for giving me an opportunity to work with you.

Most of all I am happy I stayed small because I can still play with my toys.