Sri Lanka - Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot
Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot, a podcast hosted by Dee Gibson, the British Sri Lankan designer and founder of boutique hotel Kalukanda House on the South Coast. This podcast is raw and real with guests from authors and explorers to designers and wellness gurus, all exploring the contemporary identity of Sri Lankans through rich conversations on creativity, culture and activism.
A rich mix of controversial views, humour, serious reflections and a little dash of the naughty side of this gorgeous island. Join Dee and her guests as they uncover stories and perspectives not typically found in travel guides, showcasing a dynamic society reclaiming its narrative on a global stage.
Sri Lanka - Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot
Selyn Textiles: Weaving a Future for Sri Lankan Artisans
This episode features Selyna Peiris of Selyn Textiles, a prominent fair trade handloom and social enterprise in Sri Lanka. Founded by Selyna's mother nearly 35 years ago with the aim of providing work for women, Selyna shares her journey from aspiring diplomat and UN-hopeful to taking over the creative legacy business. She discusses the importance of collaboration, fair pay, and sustainable business practices. Additionally, Selyna talks about launching Femcare, a project to produce reusable sanitary pads and its potential global impact. This conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs of running a Sri Lankan social enterprise and the vital role of community and collaboration.
00:38 Meet Selena Paris: The Story Behind Sailing Textiles
01:06 A Personal Journey: From Politics to Creative Legacy
01:30 Inside the Factory: Craftsmanship and Quality
02:12 Balancing Roles: Entrepreneur, Activist, and Mother
04:17 The Origins of Sailing Textiles
06:25 Challenges and Triumphs: Building a Fair Trade Enterprise
10:28 Selena's Early Life and Career Aspirations
13:27 Returning to Sri Lanka: A Shift in Focus
20:05 Collaboration and Competition: A New Business Model
30:52 Blockchain and Transparency in Supply Chains
40:47 The Pad Project: Empowering Women Through Innovation
47:56 Conclusion: The Future of Social Enterprise in Sri Lanka
About Selyna Peiris
Selyna Peiris (Attorney-at-Law) is a social entrepreneur and development practitioner driving several women-led social enterprises in Sri Lanka. She is the Director - Business Development at Selyn, the country’s only Fair Trade guaranteed textile craft company, and the Founder CEO of FemmeCare, a leading provider of sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions. As Director of the Selyn Foundation, she also co-leads the #BleedGood Movement, a multi-stakeholder platform dedicated to ending period poverty in Sri Lanka. Selyna serves on multiple national and international boards and committees, including the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and the World Fair Trade Organization. With a background in law, government, and grassroots advocacy, she is a passionate champion for equitable development and women’s empowerment across South Asia.
Links
Websites: www.selyn.lk, www.selynfoundation.org, www.femme-care.com,
Facebook & IG: @selynfairtrade; @selynfoundation; @femmecareglobal; @selpeiris
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SelynaPeiris
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/selynapeiris
TEDx: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9ZKUw46PJ8
Dee Gibson is the award winning designer and founder of boutique hotel Kalukanda House in Sri Lanka, www.kalukandahouse.com ~ Conde Nast Best Places to Visit in Asia 2024 & HIP Hotels Best Hotels 2025. You can follow on
instagram @deegibson2017 or @kalukandahouse
This podcast lifts the veil on what, and more importantly WHO this island is with conversations about all the things you never read about in the travel pages. Dee showcases a fascinating modern society reclaiming their identity and taking ownership of their narratives on the global stage. No subject is taboo so expect guests talking about everything from activism through art and yoga, why sari was modified by British colonisers, a performance on love and lust to episodes on forgotten heroines being narrated back into our history books and much more.