The Success Story of Rukshan Fonseka

The Bank of Ceylon (BOC), Sri Lanka’s leading financial institution, is making a profound impact on the country’s entrepreneurial landscape through its BOC Youth Loan Scheme, a programme designed to support aspiring young business owners with both financial assistance and expert guidance.

This initiative has already enabled over 10,000 young entrepreneurs to establish and expand their businesses across a wide range of industries, drive economic growth and innovation.

One such success story is Janith Rukshan, a 26-year-old entrepreneur from Kalutara, who turned his passion for ornamental fish breeding into a successful export business with the help of the BOC Youth Loan Scheme. Rukshan’s business now exports a wide variety of ornamental fish to markets in Europe and the Middle East, contributing to Sri Lanka’s reputation as a leading player in the global ornamental fish trade.

Rukshan shared how his entrepreneurial dream began with a small-scale setup in his backyard. Despite having a clear vision for his business, he faced financial challenges in scaling up his operations. The turning point came when he learned about the BOC Youth Loan Scheme through a friend and visited his local BOC branch to explore the possibilities.

“Starting my own business was always my goal, but the lack of financial resources held me back. With the support of the Bank of Ceylon, I was able to invest in modern breeding facilities, expand production capacity, and explore international markets,” he said.

The loan provided him with the much-needed capital to upgrade his breeding tanks, improve water filtration systems, and invest in specialized feed and healthcare for his fish stock. This enabled him to enhance the quality of his products, meet international standards, and establish long-term relationships with overseas buyers.

In addition to financial support, the bank’s advisory services played a key role in helping him navigate the complexities of export regulations, logistics, and international trade requirements.

Rukshan reflected on the invaluable support he received from BOC, noting that the guidance he was offered helped him build a sustainable business model. “BOC didn’t just offer me a loan; they gave me the knowledge and support to make informed decisions and manage my finances effectively,” he said.

Rukshan’s success has had a ripple effect within his community, creating employment opportunities and encouraging other young individuals to explore entrepreneurship in the ornamental fish industry. His business now provides jobs to skilled workers specialising in fish breeding, packaging, and export logistics, contributing to the local economy.

Encouraging others to take advantage of the opportunities available through the Youth Loan Scheme, Rukshan urged young entrepreneurs to believe in their dreams and seek the right financial support to make them a reality. “If you have a business idea and the determination to see it through, BOC is the perfect partner to help you achieve your goals. You can visit any branch and easily obtain a loan under this initiative” he added.