In the heart of Sri Lanka’s rapidly shifting entertainment scene, one woman is changing the rules of play. Fatema Ali, the powerhouse behind Laser Tag Station, has introduced the country’s first dedicated laser tag arena; a futuristic space where fitness, gaming, and adrenaline collide. As both a mother and an entrepreneur, she has navigated the highs and lows of launching a never-seen-before venture in a market just beginning to embrace tech-based recreation. In this candid Q&A, Fatema shares her journey, lessons learned, and her vision for transforming playtime in Sri Lanka.
Q Fatema, tell us how Laser Tag Station came to life. What sparked the idea?
As a mom of two teenage girls, weekends were always tricky. If we weren’t up for beach days in the scorching sun, we defaulted to the usual dinner-and-a-movie routine. It got repetitive, and honestly, a bit dull. Then on a vacation abroad, we stumbled upon laser tag. We played it with friends and family, and my kids couldn’t stop talking about it even after we returned. It was the perfect blend of fun, fitness, and bonding. That’s when it hit me, if we loved it this much, surely other families in Sri Lanka would too. There was such a huge gap in indoor, tech-based entertainment. So, I decided to fill it; with lasers!
Q Did you face any doubts or scepticism when pitching this concept?Oh yes, big time! We were building this in early 2023, when Sri Lanka was still recovering from a severe financial crisis. Essentials were hard to come by people were migrating, and here I was talking about laser tag. Investors thought we were nuts. No one was biting. But my husband, my best friend and now my co-founder, was all in. We pooled our savings, skipped the fancy consultants, and built it ourselves. We call Laser Tag Station our third child because, like our kids, it demanded love, late nights, and plenty of hustle.
Q Did you conduct any formal market research before starting out?
Not really. Every report we looked at said the same thing: bad timing. But I knew from my gut that there was potential. Instead of being paralyzed by doubt, we trusted our instincts and passion. Sometimes courage beats data.
Q What were the biggest hurdles you faced building the arena?
Logistics and tech were tough. Nothing was available locally, so we had to import everything. But the real challenge? Local labour. Punctuality was a myth, and supervising the work felt like a full-time job.
We also had to settle for a basement-level location because it was all we could afford. During construction, a sewage pipe burst and destroyed everything. It felt like game over. But we cleaned up, reset, and kept going.
Q Was there a moment when you felt like, “Yes, this is actually working”?
The journey’s been so unpredictable, even our launch day was a mess. The workers didn’t show up to install the final door, so we had to cancel the launch. Even today, I feel like many Sri Lankans still don’t know we exist. Marketing, which I handle myself, is something I’m still figuring out. But when I see companies return for team-building sessions or kids celebrate birthdays with us, I know we’re onto something real.
Q Would you say Laser Tag Station is more of a sport, a game, or a corporate activity?
It’s a perfect mix of all three. It’s active like a sport, you’re constantly moving and strategizing. It’s a game with multiple modes like Zombie or Capture the Hill. And for corporates, it’s an amazing team-building tool. Our 3000 sqft arena has 80 game modes designed to build communication and leadership skills. Plus, birthdays at Laser Tag Station? Next-level fun!
Q How do you market this to such a wide range of people?
It’s definitely a juggling act. Right now, I rely on social media, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok. They’re affordable and where everyone is anyway. But I know I need to do more, get into targeted ads, maybe even collaborations. The good news is laser tag appeals to almost everyone. Kids love the thrill, teens crave the competition, corporates value the teamwork, and tourists are always up for something unique. I’m figuring out how to reach each group more effectively. One match at a time!
Q What sets Laser Tag Station apart from other entertainment venues in Sri Lanka?
First off, there’s nothing else like it here. A 3000 sqft arena dedicated purely to high-energy, immersive laser tag? That alone makes it unique. But beyond that, it’s the full-body workout, the strategic thinking, the adrenaline, and the memories people make. We’re not just offering fun, we’re offering an experience that keeps people coming back.
Q How has the Sri Lankan audience responded so far?
It’s been amazing. Most people come in not even knowing what laser tag is. But we guide them, hype them up, and by the end, they’re hooked.
We get a lot of repeat customers who bring new friends each time. We’re becoming a word-of-mouth favorite. I just want every Sri Lankan to try it once. That’s all it takes to get addicted!
Q What are your future plans for Laser Tag Station?
I’ve been trying to expand, approaching malls, exploring new venues, but it’s tough. Getting meetings is half the battle. But I believe in divine timing. I’m patient. When the right opportunity shows up, I’ll be ready. Expansion, franchising, collaborations, they’re all in the pipeline. It just hasn’t happened yet. But I’m not backing down.
Q What does a typical day look like for you as a founder and mother?
It’s chaos! I’m constantly playing tug-of-war with guilt. When I’m working, I feel bad for not being with my kids. When I’m with them, I feel like I’m neglecting the business. But I’ve accepted the chaos. One day, my kids will understand. One day, the business will grow because of what we built together. Until then, I just keep dodging mines, both in the arena and in life!
Q What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs, especially women with bold ideas?
We all know the truth; the playing field isn’t equal. Especially for women. But instead of complaining, let’s challenge it. Believe in yourself. Support other women. And tune out the noise. Don’t wait for anyone’s approval. Our instincts are powerful; trust them. Got a wild idea? Go do it. Boldness is your superpower.
Laser Tag Station isn’t just about fun and games, it’s a story of vision, grit, and boundless passion. In bringing this high-octane experience to Sri Lanka, Fatema Ali isn’t just offering a new way to play, she’s redefining what it means to take a chance on your dreams.
