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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
Title: Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot
Host: Dee Gibson — Sri Lankan-born, award winning designer based in London and founder of boutique hotel Kalukanda House in Sri Lanka. www.kalukandahouse.com | instagram @deegibson2017 & @kalukandahouse
Podcast Themes:
- Modern Sri Lankan identity and culture
- Architecture, art, and design
- Sustainability and heritage
- Diaspora experiences and storytelling
Why Listen:
This podcast offers deep, intelligent storytelling about Sri Lanka’s evolving identity — a blend of East and West, ancient and modern. It’s for listeners who love culture, travel, architecture, and thoughtful conversation.
View all episodes
By Dee GibsonThis 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
Title: Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot
Host: Dee Gibson — Sri Lankan-born, award winning designer based in London and founder of boutique hotel Kalukanda House in Sri Lanka. www.kalukandahouse.com | instagram @deegibson2017 & @kalukandahouse
Podcast Themes:
- Modern Sri Lankan identity and culture
- Architecture, art, and design
- Sustainability and heritage
- Diaspora experiences and storytelling
Why Listen:
This podcast offers deep, intelligent storytelling about Sri Lanka’s evolving identity — a blend of East and West, ancient and modern. It’s for listeners who love culture, travel, architecture, and thoughtful conversation.