From Loss to Legacy: Rubini Udayakumar’s Rise in Traditional Foods
In 2018, life dealt Rubini Udayakumar a blow she never expected, the sudden loss of her husband. At 54, with a small family of three to care for, including her elderly mother and daughter, grief was quickly overshadowed by another pressing reality: financial survival.
Her mother had long been grinding traditional powders, loved by locals and even sought after by foreigners for their taste and quality. Customers kept coming back, asking for more. One day, as Rubini watched this steady demand, an idea took root, what if she turned her mother’s skill into a business? [2]
In 2019, with determination as her only capital, she launched “ANK Products,” a small-scale production venture rooted in heritage. Leaving her low-paying preschool teaching job, she devoted herself fully to manufacturing traditional products. Using her knowledge of Ayurveda, she crafted goods that were not only flavorful but also health-boosting. [3,4,5]
Her journey was anything but easy. Mastering business operations was one challenge, but her limited spoken English became another barrier, causing her to lose potential deals and rely on interpreters during training sessions. She also suffered a significant financial loss when a trusted collaborator took a foreign order directly, cutting her out entirely.
Regardless, Rubini pressed forward. Her persistence paid off. Today, her company produces and markets over 40 products, including Avarampook Coffee, Sukku Coffee, Chilli Powder, Rice Flour, and Vadagam, generating a steady income. She employs eight women, creating a ripple of empowerment in her community. Her products have reached international markets, backed by an export license and nutritional certification, and she’s working toward obtaining the GMP certificate.[1]
Joining the “Viluthu” network in 2023 opened new doors, from financial support to having her goods sold in “Sanjeevi” outlets. Socially, her business has elevated her standing. She now feels respected, empowered, and more confident than ever. Even her mother, initially hesitant about the venture, has become a pillar of support, managing operations when Rubini is away.
Her future is clear: a dedicated production facility to streamline exports, continued business growth, and eventually passing the legacy on to her children. Rubini’s dream is bold yet grounded. She wishes to be recognized as a leading female entrepreneur in Sri Lanka’s traditional product industry.
What began in heartbreak has grown into a legacy of strength, proving that with determination and vision, even the greatest loss can be transformed into lasting achievement
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