‘Mallika Hemachandra – A legacy’ coffee table book launched

Mallika Hemachandra – A legacy,’ a coffee table book was launched at a gala ceremony at the Oak Room, Cinnamon Grand in the presence of a large gathering of close friends, associates and clients to celebrate the artistic and entrepreneurial legacy of Mallika Hemachandra, the founder and the artistic inspiration behind the successful and enduring journey of Mallika Hemachandra Jewellers. 

The coffee table book sketches not only the personal journey of a successful woman entrepreneur but also the success of Mallika Hemachandra Jewellers, it also depicts a range of spectacular and out of the ordinary jewellery designs created by Mallika Hemachandra. 

Commenting on the book launch Chamindri Hemachandra, Managing Director, Mallika Hemachandra Jewellers said: “The coffee table is a tribute to the strength, insight, vision and perseverance that went in to creating a successful business as a single woman in the male dominated jewellery industry. Moreover, we believe that it will also be a gift-of-knowledge and insight to the present and future generations of entrepreneurs keen on the design aspect of jewellery.”

‘Mallika Hemachandra – A legacy’ depicts the personal journey of Mallika Hemachandra from early days to the present day while sketching the passage of exquisite designs of jewellery from her early days and goes on to present previews of futuristic designs. The book is a first of its kind that unravels the journey of a woman entrepreneur in the jewellery industry who played a key role in shaping the industry in Sri Lanka itself. 

Mallika Hemachandra learnt the art of manufacturing and jewellery design at the Holbourne School of arts and crafts United Kingdom. She initiated her own venture in 1968 and proceeded to break the proverbial glass ceiling by expanding her business through an extensive branch network in Sri Lanka as well as in the international arena. 

Mallika Hemachandra Jewellers employs approximately 150 employees out of which 80% are women, making the company a true powerhouse for women in a largely male-dominated industry. The company has trained over 759 women in the art of jewellery making during the past 20 years and provided the women with an opportunity to earn a comfortable income by manufacturing and repairing jewellery in their own homes. 

Mallika Hemachandra is a founding member of the Jewellery Association now a vital body of industry representation. She is also associated with the University of Moratuwa and the Technical Training Institute – Maradana as a Principal investigator for the jewellery examinations.

As a prominent player in the Sri Lankan jewellery arena Mallika Hemachandra designed jewellery for world leaders and their family members during the course of her illustrious career. She has had the privilege of designing Jewellery for Queen Elizabeth of England and personalities such as the wife of the Maldivian President Abdul Gayoom, wife of the Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sheriff, Marshal Josip Broz Titoof Yugoslavia, Bangladesh President Ershard and his wife to name a few. 

“This coffee table book is a milestone that epitomises the illustrious passage of not only the legendary jeweller Mallika Hemachandra but also the corporate entity Mallika Hemachandra Jewellers. In addition, the book contains the future plans of the company to follow up on its upward trajectory further,” commented Chamindri Hemachandra.