In a world where balancing a successful career and dedicated parenthood often feels like walking a tightrope, one woman decided to do something about it. After spending seventeen years in Sri Lanka’s private banking sector, she took a bold leap into the field of early childhood development and childcare solutions. Today, she is the Managing Director of Kidventures (PVT) Ltd, the holding company of CeeBees Preschool and Childcare Centre and Corporate Creches.
Her mission: to help families strike a fulfilling balance between professional aspirations and parental responsibilities. A professional marketer, seasoned banker, and passionate entrepreneur, she has redefined the childcare landscape in Sri Lanka. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed; she is a recipient of the prestigious Top50 Professional and Career Women’s Award, and a committed member of Women in Management since 2022. In this interview, she opens up about her inspiring journey, the challenges she’s overcome, and her vision for the future of childcare in Sri Lanka.
Q What inspired your shift from a successful 17-year career in private banking to early childhood education and childcare?
I joined the banking industry right after my A/L exams while waiting for my results. Over those 17 years, I learned the value of professionalism, built long-lasting relationships, and thrived in a goal-oriented environment. But as time went on and especially after becoming a mother, the reality of work-life balance hit home. I realized how challenging it was to juggle a fulfilling career with being a present, hands-on parent. That’s when the idea began to take shape, to create a space that would allow parents to pursue their professional dreams without the guilt or anxiety of compromising their child’s well-being. That dream became my motivation to transition from banking to babies. When the time felt right, I grabbed the opportunity, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Q What was the vision behind starting CeeBees Preschool, Childcare Centre, and Corporate Creches? How has it evolved?
The core idea was always about providing a practical solution for working families. I wanted to empower multiple breadwinners in a household to pursue their goals without sacrificing their child’s development or emotional security. I started in 2013 as a sole proprietor with just five children. Fast forward 12 years, we now operate across eleven locations, including eight branches and three corporate in-house crèches. My husband, who is now my business partner, has been instrumental in our expansion. As the vision evolved, we formed Kidventures as a limited liability company. One of our proudest milestones was launching our first corporate crèche, which catered to the IT sector. Today, we work with over eight corporate partners, bringing the concept of employer-supported childcare to life. We’re honoured to work with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), which has championed this model for over a decade.
Q How does Kidventures support working parents in achieving a healthy work-life balance?
We offer comprehensive, end-to-end childcare solutions. From engaging curricula, including sports, music, and movement, to nutritious meals, CCTV-monitored safety, and after-school pickups, we cover the full spectrum of parental needs. Homework assistance, extracurricular sessions in the evenings, and counselling services are all part of our value-added offering. Beyond logistics, we also provide emotional support for new and young parents. Parenthood is a journey, and it helps to have a trusted partner walking alongside you. We work hand in hand with families to ensure they feel confident and empowered in their dual roles as parents and professionals.
Q How do you define leadership in the context of both corporate banking and running your own company?
My leadership style is very much shaped by my corporate career. I was fortunate to work under some truly exceptional leaders. A good leader, in my view, leads with empathy and awareness. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, each team member brings a unique dynamic, and it’s my role to identify and cultivate that potential. Empathy and accountability are the two pillars of our leadership model. We invest time in mentoring and empowering our team, making sure they understand not just our goals but the “why” behind them. We celebrate successes together and take responsibility for our shortcomings together.
Q As a professional marketer, how do you strategically position childcare solutions in a competitive and often overlooked industry?
Marketing childcare isn’t like marketing a product, it’s deeply emotional, trust-based, and service-driven. Our biggest marketing asset has always been consistent delivery of our promise. We focus relentlessly on training our staff, improving our service offerings, and staying true to our values. Location is also a key factor. My husband has an exceptional eye for identifying spaces that are central, safe, and homely, an essential aspect of our brand identity. We don’t just sell a service; we offer peace of mind, and that can’t be faked. When you stay true to your mission, the results speak for themselves.
Q What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced?
Managing expectations. We deal with children, parents, staff, and vendors; it’s a delicate balancing act. But watching employer-supported childcare grow and maintaining quality across centres have been rewarding milestones.
I was fortunate to work under some truly exceptional leaders. A good leader, in my view, leads with empathy and awareness.
Q As a recipient of the Women in Management Top50 Award, how did that recognition impact your journey as a woman entrepreneur and leader?
It was incredibly validating. I’ve always worked behind the scenes, so being recognised by a corporate partner was a big moment. It gave me confidence and a platform to mentor and inspire other women.
Q How do you balance family life and entrepreneurship?
My husband and I took this journey together. We co-parent naturally and support each other’s roles. The flexibility of entrepreneurship lets us be more present for our kids. They’ve seen our highs and lows and learned resilience and passion along the way.
Q What’s your vision for early childhood education in Sri Lanka?
Less pressure, more purpose. We focus on empathy, independence, and life skills, not just academics. Kidventures works closely with parents to raise well-rounded, emotionally intelligent children.
Q What advice would you give women who want to take an unconventional career path?
Dream big, but also clearly. Take small steps, stay consistent, and believe in yourself. Tune out negativity. Challenges will come; but so, will breakthroughs. Stick to your values and go for it.
- One word to describe your leadership style? Situational
- Banking or Business: which taught you more about people? Both
- Your go-to productivity hack? Music and sports
- Tea or coffee during a board meeting? Tea
- Most used word when mentoring your team? Accountability
- A woman leader you admire? You (Dr. Sulochana Segera)
- Best advice you ever received? Don’t stress over what you can’t control.
- A book that changed your perspective? Too many to name!
- If you could solve one issue for working parents overnight? Magic meals
- One thing you’d tell your younger self? Be you; you matter! You can make a difference
