In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, when many businesses were struggling to survive, A.V. Hansana Janindu, a 22-year-old undergraduate of the University of Sri Jayewardenapura’s Department of Entrepreneurship, turned the crisis into an opportunity.
Through his participation in the Spark competition — a platform for young Sri Lankan entrepreneurs — Hansana was able to transform his innovative ideas into a thriving business. The Spark competition, with its comprehensive bootcamps and mentorship programs, equipped Hansana with the skills and knowledge to launch Jbricks, an eco-friendly and cost-effective brick manufacturing enterprise.
Hansana’s journey while being an undergrad and coming to the top 10 of the Spark competition speaks volumes about the power of his innovation, resilience, and time management.
A.V. Hansana Janindu
Organised by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Spark is a unique competition that focuses on entrepreneurship skills development and exposure for school students as well as young adults, in two distinct categories: School Category and Open Category. The competition aims to upskill budding entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into viable business propositions.
Spark 2024 is supported by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), South Asia Leadership in Entrepreneurship (SALE) project and funded by the US Department of State, with the aim of promoting youth entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka by enabling the environment for start-up businesses and boosting interest in entrepreneurship.
Sustainable construction
Hansana’s inspiration to start jbricks stemmed from the skyrocketing prices of construction materials during the pandemic.
“Recognizing the financial strain this placed on individuals aspiring to build their dream homes, I thought of a solution that could significantly reduce building costs while promoting sustainability. The core concept of Jbricks is to produce eco-friendly bricks using soil, cement, and water, offering a cost-saving of up to 45% on the cost of laying walls and facilitating quicker construction.
These bricks, with their smooth finish and durability, eliminate the need for traditional plastering methods and provide excellent insulation, retaining coolness for longer periods. You can switch on the A/C for two hours, and I can guarantee that the cool remains throughout the day. In addition to that, from one cement bag , 800-1000 of these bricks can be layered, which is a huge advantage,” Hansana explained.
Changing mindsets
Speaking to the Youth Observer, Hansana said that one of the biggest challenges he faced was the entrenched belief among Sri Lankans that traditional cement bricks were the superior choice. To overcome this, he implemented a robust marketing strategy, including awareness programs, social media campaigns, and participation in exhibitions.
These efforts educated the public about the environmental and economic benefits of Jbricks, gradually shifting perceptions and building a loyal customer base. The Covid-19 pandemic was another challenging point for Hansana as an emerging entrepreneur.
Nevertheless, Hansana has been resilient, and he highlighted the fact that his educational background has immensely helped him through this journey.
“I also have to mention that Spark ignited a different flame within me. My educational background pushed me to start a business, but the Spark competition took me to greater heights. From the Spark competition, we were taught to develop a business plan and how to go about it. Most importantly, we were taught to pitch our product based on different contexts.
“I think that was one of the turning points for me. As Sri Lankans, I believe that we are not trained to take risks from childhood; there is so much fear within us. But just entering Spark gave me wings to overcome many of my fears. We were taught to take risks and develop businesses, and we were taught that entrepreneurship comes with the gut to face risks and losses. Spark was a very big turning point for my product,” he said.
Hansana said that the success of Jbricks is not only measured through the cost savings provided to customers but also by the reduced environmental impact compared to traditional bricks. “My short-term goal is to increase market share within Sri Lanka, while my long-term vision is to make eco-friendly construction the norm and establish Jbricks as a leading name in sustainable building solutions. By continuously engaging with customers through social media and gathering feedback, I plan to ensure that the business evolves in response to market needs and sustainability trends,” he added.
Education is at the heart of Hansana’s strategy to attract customers. Through social media, awareness programs, and exhibitions, he highlights the cost and environmental benefits of Jbricks.
“The growing interest in sustainable construction among consumers is a positive sign, indicating a shift towards more eco-friendly building practices. I have also been collaborating with various exhibitions and campaigns and have been instrumental in promoting Jbricks and expanding its reach. I carefully select suppliers and partners who share my interests in sustainability, ensuring that every aspect of the business aligns with eco-friendly values,” he said.
Excited about developing new products like compressed earth tiles, Hansana stays ahead of the curve by continuously learning about the latest trends and innovations in sustainability. This proactive approach keeps Jbricks at the forefront of sustainable construction.
Advice
“I believe that when we run a business, we must always strive to give our best to the world. When our intentions are clean and clear, I believe many things can run smoothly. The importance of finding cost-effective and eco-friendly solutions to real-world problems, educating customers, and persevering through challenges have been my key ingredients to running a successful business at this age.
“Resources such as social media and local exhibitions have been crucial in promoting my business and connecting with potential customers. My advice is to focus on sustainable practices, be persistent, and leverage available resources to transform innovative ideas into successful ventures,” he said.
Future
“Running a sustainable business has profoundly influenced my perspective on the environment and my personal lifestyle. It has heightened my awareness of environmental issues and the need for sustainable practices in daily life. The positive impact of Jbricks on customers and the environment fuels my motivation and passion for sustainability.
“Looking ahead, I plan to expand the product line to include eco-friendly compressed earth tiles and offer customized house construction services. I envision a future where Jbricks leads the way in eco-friendly construction in Sri Lanka, setting a new standard for sustainable building practices and significantly reducing the environmental impact of the construction industry,” he said.
Launchpad
“The Spark competition played a pivotal role in my entrepreneurial journey. As a platform designed to nurture the next generation of Sri Lankan entrepreneurs, Spark provided me with the mentorship, resources, and skills needed to turn my vision into reality. From the initial application phase to the intense bootcamps and the grand finale, Spark challenged and inspired me, helping me build a robust business model and hone my entrepreneurial skills. If I am at a certain point in my business, Spark owns half of the credit,” he concluded.
