WHO WE ARE
The Wasthra Ceylon Journey – From Roots to Revolution
Wasthra Ceylon was not born in a boardroom — it was born in the heart of a dreamer, Thanuj Chandrasekara, a computer science engineer with no capital, no backing, and no conventional support — only a vision deeply rooted in sustainability and social change.
Back in 2009, while studying as as a student, Thanuj saw the untapped potential of banana agricultural waste, which was being discarded daily by farmers in southern Sri Lanka. With an analytical mind and a heart full of purpose, he asked a simple but powerful question:
“What if waste could become worth?”
This question became the seed of Wasthra Ceylon, which he nurtured for over 16 years through rigorous research and development, often using personal income to fund experiments, failed prototypes, and trial runs. His journey was marked with silence, sacrifice, and struggle — but never surrender.
Launching of the national innovation report 2024
Sri Lanka's National Innovation Agency (NIA) launched the National Innovation Report 2024 in late January 2025 (at BMICH) and also held a country launch for the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2024 in November 2024, highlighting innovation's role in economic recovery, showcasing national achievements, and discussing Sri Lanka's 89th GII ranking, with a focus on boosting tech, exports, and fostering an innovation ecosystem.
ORGANIC
BANANA
DELIGHT
Thanuj Chandrasekara
Chairman | Wasthra Ceylon Group
Mr. Thanuj Chandrasekara is a trailblazing Sri Lankan entrepreneur, Computer Science Engineer, and the visionary Chairman of the Wasthra Ceylon Group. He is widely recognized for transforming agricultural waste—especially banana-based materials—into a thriving ecosystem of eco-friendly, socially responsible innovations.
Starting with no capital but a strong vision and unwavering determination, Mr. Chandrasekara built Wasthra Ceylon from the ground up. Today, his group of companies employs over 50 individuals, predominantly from rural communities, empowering them through meaningful, sustainable livelihoods.
With over 16 years of dedication to research and development, his work has led to the creation of groundbreaking products such as Naari Eco Pads (biodegradable sanitary pads), Banana Eco Packs (sustainable packaging solutions), and a range of banana-based health foods under the Moksha brand. These innovations have earned national and international attention, positioning Wasthra Ceylon as a leader in green entrepreneurship.
Under his leadership, the company is proud to align with 13 out of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—a reflection of his deep commitment to environmental stewardship, ethical production, and social impact. Wasthra Ceylon is also Good Market–approved, further validating its authenticity and sustainability.
A firm believer in education and empowerment, Mr. Chandrasekara frequently speaks at universities and development forums, sharing his journey to inspire the next generation of change makers. His story is a testament to how vision, resilience, and innovation can reshape entire industries and communities.
Lt Col Prof. Wasantha Liyanage
BSc (Agri), PGDE, MPhil, PHD
Senior Consultant – Environmental Affairs
Lt Col Prof. Wasantha Liyanage stands as one of the most influential scientific pillars behind the foundation and evolution of Wasthra Ceylon (Pvt.) Ltd. His contribution goes far beyond a formal advisory role he has been a mentor, a scientific guide, and a steadfast supporter from the earliest, most uncertain stages of the company’s journey.
At a time when Wasthra Ceylon was still shaping its identity, Prof. Liyanage played a defining role in nurturing its core innovation banana-based product development. With remarkable generosity and belief in the vision, he opened the doors of his laboratory, allowing critical experimentation and early-stage research to take place. This access was not merely logistical; it was the foundation upon which scientific validation and product refinement began.
More importantly, he shared his deep scientific knowledge in environmental systems, biomass utilization, and sustainable resource management, guiding the transformation of banana plant waste into value-added, eco-friendly products. His continuous intellectual engagement with Mr. Thanuja Chandrasekara helped bridge the gap between raw ideas and scientifically sound innovations. His insights ensured that the development process was not only innovative but also environmentally responsible and aligned with principles of circular economy and sustainability.
What distinguishes Prof. Liyanage’s contribution is not only his academic excellence but his unwavering presence. Time and again, he has stood beside Wasthra Ceylon offering guidance during challenges, refining ideas during uncertainty, and reinforcing confidence when it mattered most. His support has been both intellectual and deeply personal, making him an enduring force behind the company’s progress.
An alumnus of Richmond College, Galle, Prof. Liyanage is a distinguished expert in environmental engineering, forestry conservation, and ecological research. He currently serves as the Deputy Conservator of Forests at the Department of Forest Conservation in Sri Lanka and as a Senior Lecturer at the Sri Lanka Forestry Institute. His academic journey includes a PhD in Environmental Engineering from the China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), an M.Phil. in Animal Science, and a B.Sc. in Agriculture from the University of Ruhuna, along with a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from the Open University of Sri Lanka.
His scientific work reflects a profound commitment to sustainability. His research spans biodiversity conservation, ecosystem dynamics, and sustainable agricultural systems, with notable studies on analog forestry, faunal diversity in rice ecosystems, and primate ecology. His publication “Comparison of Faunal Diversity in Rice Fields of Sri Lanka” (2013) stands as a testament to his analytical depth and contribution to ecological science.
Recognized both nationally and internationally, Prof. Liyanage has presented at global scientific forums and published extensively in reputed journals including Mammalia, Journal of Threatened Taxa, and Journal of Environmental Research and Development. His contributions have been honored with prestigious recognitions, including the Sri Lankan Presidential Award for Scientific Excellence (2010).
In essence, Prof. Liyanage’s role in Wasthra Ceylon is not simply that of a consultant it is that of a scientific architect and a trusted guardian of its sustainability vision. His legacy within the organization is embedded in its very foundation, where science, innovation, and environmental responsibility converge.
HIGHLIGHTS
Over 10,000+ sanitary pads distributed through grassroots channels
Partnerships with ministries, universities, and NGOs for social impact projects
Empowerment of female-led microbusinesses in packaging and distribution
Active alignment with 13 UN Sustainable Development Goals
Operations supported by government-provided land and spaces
Ongoing training and upskilling of rural youth and women
Crafted with All-Natural Ingredients
Naturally made to preserve freshness, flavor, and nutritional goodness—just as nature intended.
Complete Wellness Support
A light, nourishing choice that promotes immunity, cellular health, and natural energy while supporting a healthier lifestyle without excess sugar or calories.
Committed to Environmental Safety
Created with sustainability in mind, ensuring safety for people, communities, and the environment.
From Experiments to Empowerment
His small-scale experiments began with handmade paper using banana pseudo-stems, later evolving into biodegradable packaging materials, sanitary napkins, and banana-based food products — all while staying true to the mission:
To create eco-friendly, socially impactful solutions rooted in Sri Lankan agriculture.
In 2014, the first breakthrough came — a working prototype of hand-crafted, chemical-free paper. From there, Wasthra Ceylon grew organically, one innovation at a time, until it gained the attention of environmentalists, local policymakers, and eventually global platforms like Good Market.
By 2024, Wasthra Ceylon was officially recognized as a Good Market-approved enterprise, cementing its role in Sri Lanka’s growing green economy.
People before Profit: A Social Mission
Wasthra Ceylon is more than a product-based business — it’s a social enterprise driven by community empowerment. Today, the company proudly employs 50+ full-time workers, many of whom are:
- Women from rural and underprivileged backgrounds
- Individuals with limited education but unlimited potential
- Local youth seeking alternative employment to migration or low-wage labor
These individuals are trained in production, leadership, and sustainability — creating not just jobs, but change-makers.
Naari Eco Pads: A Movement of Dignity
One of the most powerful results of this journey is Naari Eco Pads, a 100% biodegradable sanitary pad made from banana fiber and Low cost sanitary napkins for unprivileged women’s in sri lanka for eradicate period poverty.
Naari Eco Pads – Mission Statement
To eradicate period poverty in Sri Lanka by providing low-cost sanitary napkins and eco-friendly sanitary napkins to underprivileged women and girls, ensuring menstrual dignity, health, and equal opportunity for all. Through sustainable innovation and community-driven distribution, we strive to empower women, break taboos, and create lasting social impact — one pad at a time.
It’s more than a product — it’s a movement for menstrual dignity, challenging taboos, reducing plastic waste, and restoring health and self-esteem for women across Sri Lanka.
In partnership with schools and women’s groups, Wasthra Ceylon conducts awareness sessions, distributes low-cost eco pads, and offers women the opportunity to become micro-distributors, creating a circular economy for good.
Moksha & Eco Pack: Food and Packaging Reimagined
Under the Moksha brand, banana-based food innovations like banana flour, energy bars, and baby food blends are produced — healthy, delicious, and 100% natural.
Eco Pack, the company’s zero-plastic, biodegradable packaging arm, provides sustainable packaging solutions to businesses looking to reduce their environmental footprint.
These three verticals — Naari, Moksha, and Eco Pack — operate under the Wasthra Ceylon umbrella, proving that sustainability and scalability can go hand-in-hand.
The Legacy Continues
Thanuj Chandrasekara still leads Wasthra Ceylon group as its Chairman & CEO, continuously innovating, advocating for green entrepreneurship, and mentoring young visionaries. His journey from a young engineer with a wild dream to a national leader in sustainability is a testament to what resilience, vision, and compassion can achieve.
As we look ahead, Wasthra Ceylon is preparing to take its impact global — starting with regional export, digital storytelling, and franchise opportunities through “The Banana Shop” food chain, where partners receive government-backed support and up to 60% commission as a social enterprise dealer.
OUR ACHIEVEMENTS
Sponsored by the Indian Government to participate GRAMEEN BHARAT MAHOTSAV as a panel member and exhibitor
Inclusion to National Innovation Report 2024 for the most outstanding Innovaters in Sri Lanka
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Sustainable Development Goals
At Wasthra Ceylon, sustainability is not a side initiative — it’s the very heart of our mission. Through our banana fiber-based innovations, biodegradable packaging, menstrual hygiene initiatives, and natural food solutions, we actively align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), addressing global challenges while uplifting communities and regenerating our environment.
No Poverty
By creating livelihood opportunities through agro-waste utilization (banana fiber, water hyacinth), Wasthra Ceylon empowers rural farmers, artisans, and women entrepreneurs. Our circular model converts waste into income, reducing poverty at the grassroots.
Zero Hunger
Through Moksha—our banana-based food initiative—we promote food security and nutrition by transforming bananas and other natural resources into affordable, high-value food products. We support local food ecosystems and reduce food waste.
Good Health and Well-being
Our Naree Eco Pads initiative promotes menstrual hygiene, especially in underserved regions. With over 375 free menstrual hygiene workshops, we educate women and girls on health, hygiene, and dignity. Our food products are chemical-free and health-conscious, promoting wellness.
Gender Equality
We prioritize women’s empowerment across our workforce and partnerships. From pad-making units to female-led education drives, Wasthra Ceylon supports equal opportunities and leadership roles for women in sustainable enterprise.
Clean Water and Sanitation
By promoting biodegradable alternatives and reducing microplastic waste, we help safeguard water systems and aquatic ecosystems. Our menstrual health awareness campaigns also educate on hygiene and safe disposal, contributing to clean environments.
Affordable and Clean Energy
We advocate for renewable energy use in our manufacturing processes and support community-based clean energy initiatives for small-scale banana fiber producers and women-led enterprises.
Decent Work and Economic Growth
We generate green jobs in rural Sri Lanka through skill training, ethical production, and market access. Wasthra Ceylon champions fair wages, safe working conditions, and local economic development.
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Through innovative R&D in eco-friendly product development—from Eco Packs to handcrafted banana fiber goods—we’re redefining how industries operate sustainably. Our infrastructure connects traditional knowledge with modern green technology.
Reduced Inequalities
We focus on empowering marginalized communities including rural farmers, women, and youth. Our inclusive value chains ensure equitable income, resources, and recognition for all contributors.
Responsible Consumption and Production
Our entire product range—biodegradable packaging, sanitary pads, food, and handcrafts—is built on a zero-waste philosophy. We educate consumers and producers on sustainability and promote a circular economy model.
Climate Action
By replacing single-use plastics, reducing CO₂ emissions in our production chain, and composting our biodegradable products, Wasthra Ceylon actively contributes to climate mitigation. We harness nature’s resources without harming it.
Life Below Water
Our microplastic-free packaging and pad solutions prevent harmful waste from reaching oceans and aquatic life. We advocate for clean water systems and marine conservation through product design.
Life on Land
We regenerate ecosystems by transforming invasive species like water hyacinth into valuable products. By reducing plastic pollution and encouraging agro-waste repurposing, we protect land biodiversity and soil health.
Partnerships for the Goals
Wasthra Ceylon collaborates with ministries, NGOs, international development partners, educational institutions, and grassroots networks to scale impact and co-create solutions aligned with global sustainability targets.
Conclusion
Through innovation, inclusion, and integrity, Wasthra Ceylon stands as a model for socially conscious, ecologically responsible entrepreneurship. Our mission goes beyond profit—it is a movement to build a greener, fairer, and healthier Sri Lanka while advancing the global SDG agenda.
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