“I didn’t plan for this, but I made it work.” Meet Thilini, quietly building forward

2 mins 04 secs
May 20, 2025

"Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life." – Naeem Callaway

At 35, Thilini Sasikala from Pasyala, Sri Lanka, wasn’t looking to become an entrepreneur. Life had other plans. When her mother left the country for work, Thilini inherited the responsibility of repaying a loan from Sejaya. At the time, she was working in a cargo net manufacturing factory, but long hours and physical strain forced her to step away.

With no stable income and rising uncertainty, she made a quiet but brave decision: to start something of her own. Drawing on her creativity, Thilini began crafting hair accessories. A loan from Sejaya Micro Credit Ltd helped her purchase materials from Colombo and turn her idea into a small but steady business. With the support of the Pasio program, she gradually scaled up—growing her income from LKR 30,000 to LKR 100,000 a month and expanding into cane-based products.

The turning point came when she joined the Pasio community. Here, she learned new skills, connected with other business owners, and explored ways to market her products beyond her neighborhood. Her confidence grew as she realized she wasn’t doing this alone.

Today, Thilini has invested in a three-wheeler to ease deliveries and support her family’s travel needs. She’s even begun laying the foundation—literally, for her next dream: building a new home.

Thilini’s story is not loud or flashy. It’s quiet, persistent, and deeply rooted in resilience. It’s proof that when you choose to begin, no matter the reason, you’re already halfway there.

Pasio is a global initiative by Gojo & Company in partnership with the Education Above All Foundation (EAA), designed to support young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35 through income-generating loans, digital tools, and business education. Pasio helps young people, especially in rural and underserved communities to build sustainable livelihoods.

Currently active in India, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia, Pasio is implemented by Gojo Group partners: Prayas Financial Services Pvt Ltd, Sejaya Micro Credit Ltd, and MAXIMA Microfinance. With a strong focus on digital literacy, Pasio aims to create an inclusive ecosystem where young entrepreneurs can thrive, build sustainable livelihoods, and lead positive change in their communities. 

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