Background:
Jeyantha, lives with his spouse and two school-going daughters in Peradeniya, Kandy District. After completing his Advanced Level studies, he worked in several jobs, then started his own fruit business, purchasing fruits directly from villagers and selling them to wholesalers in town. This venture was profitable until the economic crisis disrupted it, leaving him struggling with family responsibilities and a half-built house. In search of better opportunities, he sold his three-wheeler, incurred debts, and travelled to Romania on a work visa.
In Romania, Jeyantha initially worked on a farm but was underpaid. When his complaints went unresolved, he sought another job. Unfortunately, after eight months his visa expired, and he was deported.
Reintegration:
Upon returning home, Jeyantha received guidance, counselling, and in-kind assistance from IRARA to restart his life. Drawing on his previous experience and considering the local market, he revived his fruit wholesale business.
The in-kind support included fruit baskets, an electronic weighing machine, and a large quantity of fresh fruits. This allowed him to re-start his fruit selling business and re-engage with his community. He has since gained the trust and respect of his local community and now has a steady supply of produce from the local area and has built a strong customer base.
Initially hiring a vehicle to transport fruits, he soon saved enough income to pay a down payment on a second-hand three-wheeler — an important milestone in his business growth.
At a glance:
This reintegration assistance, ranging from guidance, counselling, advice and in-kind support helped me to bounce back and be in the proper frame of mind to think of the next step, otherwise I would have been left in the lurch.
