Randima and her mum run Ranbath Organic, an organic, vegan restaurant at Thummulla in Colombo 05, while her father has been involved with organic farming for around 20 years so their restaurant is supplied with wholesome, organic produce for their dishes.

A former student of Musaeus College, Sri Jayawardenapura University and the Postgraduate Institute of Marketing (PIM), Randima began The Earth Shop last year, through Instagram.

Her Instagram page (@theearthshopsl) and Facebook page (The Earth Shop) showcase the products she offers, and she also has a space for her products at Ranbath Organic. She also takes customised orders, which she sometimes designs herself.

Colourful bags, baskets and bins made from dried palmyrah leaves, clay mugs and bottles, plates and dishes made from dried areca leaves, coconut shell spoons and bowls and reusable glass jars are Randima’s most popular products.

Aside from the glass jars, which are supplied by an industrial manufacturer, Randima’s other products are sourced from low-income earning families in rural areas all over the island. They make many of these products using materials from their home gardens and surrounding areas.

Because of the high costs of transport, Randima usually travels by bus or train to visit these families and make her purchases, sometimes with her mother accompanying her.

“I think it is high time that people make a shift towards buying eco-friendly products. Not only are they eco-friendly, some of them are also long lasting. For example, a coconut shell mug or bowl is a nice product to use, and it’s also very durable,” says Randima.

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