More Than a Store

Ridmika’s Journey to Dignity and Independence

Once abandoned and struggling, Ridmika rebuilt her life with support from the EU-DESTINY Project. She launched a successful food shop near Delwita College and now thrives as a business owner and active SHG member—ensuring a better future for her child.

Abandoned by her husband and pushed to the margins of society, Ridmika Dilrukshi Premachandra faced stigma and severe economic hardship as a single mother. She made ends meet by selling snacks and working in a small hotel—but her dream was to stand on her own feet.

Everything changed when the EU-DESTINY Project team in Rideegama met her. Seeing her determination, they worked with Ridmika to develop a business plan and provided financial support to start her own small food shop near Delwita College.

Today, Ridmika is not only successfully managing her hotel, but also actively participating in a Self Help Group (SHG) formed under the project. Through this group, she shares her journey, exchanges ideas, and receives support from other women who’ve faced similar challenges.

With a growing business and a supportive sisterhood behind her, Ridmika now uses her income to invest in her small food shop  and ensure a better future for her child. Once isolated and overlooked, she is now a proud entrepreneur and a visible, respected member of her community.