THARUSHA VITHANAGE FOUNDER, COLOMPUR

On this week’s edition of ‘The Founder’ we feature Tharusha Vithanage, Founder of Colompur. Tharusha is an alumnus of Lyceum International School, Panadura and he also holds a BSc (Hons) Marketing Management from the University of Plymouth, UK. Whilst, running Colompur, an online delivery restaurant available via Uber Eats and PickMe Food, Tharusha is also currently reading for his CIM (Chartered Institute of Marketing) qualifications. Tharusha, started his corporate journey at the tender age of nineteen years, when he got himself a job at HSBC Sri Lanka. He launched his first company, Dorare (PVT) LTD when he was twenty-two years old. A passionate, ambitious, young Entrepreneur, Tharusha speaks to us today about his newest venture, Colompur. 

In your own words, what is Colompur?
Colompur is a cloud kitchen operating in the heart of Colombo, serving customers authentic Chinese, Thai and Sri Lankan cuisines. We serve affordable dishes, whilst ensuring that we provide value for money to all our clients. 

What inspired you?
With the pandemic I always wanted to do something new, I came to realize that a few Indian and US food chains were doing really well with cloud kitchens, therefore, I wanted the same to be replicated here in Sri Lanka. 

What was the journey like, starting from scratch and building the business up to where it is right now?
It was difficult as we faced challenging times with the lockdowns and sudden hike in prices of raw materials, but as a team, we faced them and came up with strategies to help keep our business afloat.

What were the hardships you faced as an Entrepreneur, what was the toughest one yet?
Running a business during a global pandemic. It was very challenging, especially during the lockdown period. We couldn’t access raw materials, staff faced issues coming to work as there was no public transportation, and so on. We knew that several families of our staff depended on our business for their survival. Hence, keeping it closed was not an option. Dismissing the staff was not an option. We were one team and we knew we had to overcome this hurdle together. 

We made sure our entire team adhered to all health and safety guidelines and we continued our operations during lockdown despite all the hurdles we had to cross. Every day was a challenge. I am proud to say that we grew stronger and more united as a team. 

What has been the most frustrating thing about being a start up?
It is always challenging when you are operating your own startup. But when you are fully committed to your startup, you give it your all and you are determined to overcome all obstacles no matter how difficult they may seem. It’s important to have a goal and to stay focused on that goal. 

Explain a few marketing strategies you have implemented, and what makes them successful?
We primarily promote our brand via Social Media platforms, mainly Facebook and Instagram. We also work with some influencers who have helped us gained visibility for our brand.  Our campaign “Colompur මට බඩගිනියි” went viral online and even got us global reach. If social media tools are used effectively, it adds immense value to any brand. 

What motivates you to do what you do on daily basis?
I have a young team that depends on me. I have customers who have their meals from us for lunch on a daily basis. I know I need to wake up and be at office taking lead, ensuring we do our best each day as a team. I am passionate about my business. I am determined to make it a successful cloud kitchen operation expanding to other parts of the country as we go along. This is my motivation. 

How did you get the initial start-up capital?
Hatton National Bank helped us when they reviewed my initial project proposal. They gave us our first loan to start our business. 

What separates Colompur from its competitors?
At Colompur we serve authentic Chinese, Thai and Sri Lankan cuisine at affordable prices. We serve high quality food prepared using the best ingredients at very affordable prices. Our repeat customers always comment on the authentic flavors of our dishes. Our Sri Lankan Rice and Curry packets have become quite successful. We offer warm, home cooked, wholesome meals! 

What is your definition of the word success?
Achieving what you need and want in your life, and living what you dreamt of, is success. I also like to motivate people around me to take up challenges and to work towards their goals. 

Why did you decide to enter this industry?
I simply love to eat. I am a total foodie. Nothing makes me happier than enjoying a delicious meal. From the time I was a teenager, I was always curious to experience different cuisines from across the world. This motivated me to start my own food brand. I want to share my live for food with the world!

When did you discover your passion for your business?
I always knew I would be an Entrepreneur one day. I started making plans from the day I started University. Business is in my blood. 

Who are your role models?
My father. I follow his work ethics, work pattern and management skills. I also admire Mr. Dilanka Jinadasa, the CEO of Hela Clothing (PVT) LTD. 

Was your family supportive of your new venture?
Yes, without their support I will never be where I am today. They supported me from day one and they always encouraged me to follow my dreams. 

Have you tried and failed with anything in the past?
Yes! From the time I was in University, I was constantly thinking of new ideas and ventures. I have started and closed about five such ventures. I have no regrets. All of these have been steep learning curves. 

What is the end goal?
To be a successful, young Sri Lankan Entrepreneur. I want to give back to my country. I think it is important that we as young Sri Lankan’s believe in our country and we work towards growing our local economy, instead of assuming the grass is greener on the other side, and choosing to migrate. I want to make Colompur a household brand and I would also someday like to take my brand global and as they say, be a proud ‘Global Local.’ I also have a few other initiatives that I would like to launch within the next five years. 

What advice would you give other start-ups?
Dream, dream and keep dreaming. Every success story starts with a dream. Work hard to achieve that dream and to make that dream a reality. Have goals and stay focused on those goals. Nothing in life is easy, but if you have faith and you believe in yourself and your idea, sky is the limit.