In the quiet hum of factories and the steady rhythm of progress, some leaders create ripples that turn into waves. Dr. C. C. Janaki Amarasinghe is one such force, a visionary entrepreneur whose impact goes far beyond business. She does not just lead companies; she builds opportunities, empowers women, and transforms communities.
Born and raised in Sri Lanka, Janaki came from a society where women’s roles were often limited by tradition and circumstance. From early on, she understood that change would require not only determination but also innovation. Her childhood and formative years remain private, but her later life reveals a journey defined by courage and purpose.
Janaki’s major breakthrough came in 1998 when she founded DJ Products, a company focused on manufacturing food items, spices, surgical gauze, bandages, and textiles. What began as a small enterprise grew steadily under her leadership, gaining a reputation for quality and reliability. Her company was honored to design the official saris for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, a symbol of national pride and craftsmanship.
Throughout the years, DJ Products earned important certifications such as ISO 9001, ISO 22000, HACCP, and GMP. Under Janaki’s guidance, it became the only female-led company to consistently supply products under its own brand to Lanka Sathosa, Sri Lanka’s largest retail network. This was not just a business achievement; it was a demonstration of trust and excellence.
Janaki’s vision extended beyond profit. She made it her mission to empower rural women by providing them with meaningful employment. Over 200 women from remote villages work in her factories, gaining skills and confidence. She plans to expand this impact by bottling and exporting food products made by these women, creating a pathway from local communities to international markets.
Her journey was not without obstacles. Janaki faced skepticism as a woman entrepreneur operating in multiple industries that were traditionally male-dominated. She encountered challenges related to funding, regulation, and scaling the business. Yet her resilience and commitment to quality and social responsibility helped her overcome these barriers.
Janaki’s dedication earned her numerous awards. In 2021, she was named Woman Entrepreneur of the Year at the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) awards. She also received recognition from the NDB Bank, Shrama Abhimani, Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Wantabhimani awards. Each accolade marked a milestone in a career devoted not only to business success but to social change.
Today, Dr. C. C. Janaki Amarasinghe stands as a role model for women across Sri Lanka and beyond. She proved that entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for empowerment and community uplift. Through her leadership, many women have found dignity, independence, and hope.
Her legacy is more than factories and exports. It is the countless lives she has touched and the new standards she set for inclusive growth. Dr. Janaki Amarasinghe continues to inspire, showing that real change begins when one person decides to build a better future for many.