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 Textiles01:06 A Personal Journey: From Politics to Creative Legacy01:30 Inside the Factory: Craftsmanship and Quality02:12 Balancing Roles: Entrepreneur, Activist, and Mother04:17 The Origins of Sailing Textiles06:25 Challenges and Triumphs: Building a Fair Trade Enterprise10:28 Selena's Early Life and Career Aspirations13:27 Returning to Sri Lanka: A Shift in Focus20:05 Collaboration and Competition: A New Business Model30:52 Blockchain and Transparency in Supply Chains40:47 The Pad Project: Empowering Women Through Innovation47:56 Conclusion: The Future of Social Enterprise in Sri LankaAbout Selyna  PeirisSelyna 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.LinksWebsites: www.selyn.lk,  www.selynfoundation.org, www.femme-care.com,  Facebook & IG: @selynfairtrade; @selynfoundation; @femmecareglobal; @selpeirisTwitter: https://twitter.com/SelynaPeirisLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/selynapeiris   TEDx: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9ZKUw46PJ8Title: Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting PotHost: 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 & @kalukandahousePodcast Themes:Modern Sri Lankan identity and cultureArchitecture, art, and designSustainability and heritageDiaspora experiences and storytellingWhy 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.