Anushka Vidanapathirana is a dynamic entrepreneur and visionary leader, currently serving as the Chairman and CEO of Bespice (Pvt) Ltd and Liv Nature Exports (Pvt) Ltd. He also plays a pivotal role as the Secretary of The Spice Council of Sri Lanka, reflecting his deep commitment to advancing Sri Lanka’s rich spice heritage on a global scale. Under his leadership, these companies have grown into international market, exporting premium quality spices to over 20 countries. His innovative approach and strong emphasis on sustainability have set new benchmarks for the industry, while his focus on social responsibility continues to benefit local farmers and the wider agriculture sector.
Despite launching his businesses amidst one of the most challenging periods in recent history—the turbulent economic landscape. Anushka has navigated the complexities brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, a crippling economic recession, and political instability. “We identified the crisis as an opportunity,” Anushka shares, capturing his unwavering resilience. The challenges were immense. The volatility of foreign exchange rates and high-interest rates, which surged to a staggering 28%, made traditional business practices untenable. Logistics costs soared due to disrupted supply chains, while the country’s fuel and electricity crises further compounded the difficulties. However, instead of succumbing to these obstacles, Anushka chose to embrace them as opportunities for growth.
Key to his success was a forward-thinking strategy that revolved around backward integration—building stronger partnerships with farmers, enhancing local supply chains, and investing in sustainable farming practices. His commitment to strengthening relationships with these farmers was crucial not just for his business but for improving the rural economy as well. By adopting disciplined financial management and seizing opportunities for online buyer meetings, Anushka successfully opened new markets and ensured that his business remained financially stable even during the fuel and electricity crisis that plagued the island nation.
Through backward integration, Anushka ensured that his company could rely on a stable supply of quality raw materials despite external disruptions. This approach allowed Bespice and Liv Nature Exports to maintain the high standards their customers expect, while also empowering local farmers. By forging closer ties with growers, he not only guaranteed a steady supply of premium spices but also helped create a more resilient agricultural sector in Sri Lanka. He worked closely with his team and the farmers, providing them with the support they needed to continue producing despite the challenges. His decision to adopt online buyer meetings, a strategy he implemented, opened doors to new markets across the globe, further solidifying his company’s international standing.
Anushka’s ability to turn adversity into opportunity is a hallmark of his leadership. His disciplined financial management, which he describes as “financial discipline,” helped his businesses weather the worst of the economic crisis. By keeping a tight rein on expenditures and making smart investments in growth opportunities, he ensured that Bespice and Liv Nature Exports would emerge from the crisis stronger than ever.
At the heart of Anushka’s operations is an unyielding commitment to quality. Both Bespice and Liv Nature Exports have quickly earned numerous prestigious certifications, including ISO 9001, ISO 22000, HACCP, GMP, Organic JAS, USDA Organic, and EU Organic Standards. These certifications are a testament to his companies’ dedication to producing spices that not only meet but exceed international quality standards. This dedication to excellence extends to the sourcing of their products, with spices being harvested from both company-farmer units and registered local farmers, all of whom follow stringent quality guidelines.
“Our specialty lies in aroma, taste, and flavor,” Anushka explains, highlighting the meticulous attention to detail that drives his business. Both companies operate modern processing facilities equipped with state-of-the-art technologies for grinding, drying, sterilizing, and sorting. These processes are designed not only to ensure cleanliness and preserve nutritional value but also to maintain the highest quality standards, earning Bespice and Liv Nature Exports a reputation for excellence on the global stage.
This focus on quality has allowed Anushka’s companies to thrive in highly competitive international markets. With exports spanning over 20 countries—including major markets in Europe, the USA, UK, Middle East, and India—Anushka has deftly navigated the intricate maze of international trade. He attributes much of this success to his insistence on maintaining product quality while fostering strong, direct relationships with buyers. His participation in prestigious global exhibitions like BioFach Germany, Natural Expo West USA, SIAL France, Gulf Food UAE, and Fine Food Australia has been instrumental in putting Sri Lanka’s spices on the map. “Sri Lanka has the best pepper in the world, with piperine content exceeding 6%, and ceylon cinnamon renowned for its medicinal properties,” he proudly notes, highlighting the unique qualities of Sri Lankan spices.
As a leader, Anushka places immense importance on creating a positive, supportive work environment for his team of over 120 employees. Drawing from his academic credentials—an MBA from the Post Graduate Institute of Management Sri Lanka and a BSc in Marketing from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura—he fosters a culture of satisfaction and motivation within his organization. His leadership philosophy is simple yet effective: happy and motivated employees are the cornerstone of a successful business.
His hands-on leadership style is complemented by his wealth of professional experience, having held various positions in leading Sri Lankan companies. Anushka’s leadership extends beyond his business achievements. He is a firm believer in the power of education and regularly serves as a visiting lecturer at Sri Lankan universities, sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation of leaders. His commitment to learning and development is also evident in the professional development opportunities he provides for his employees, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within his organization.
In addition to his corporate roles, Anushka serves as the Secretary of The Spice Council of Sri Lanka. In this capacity, he has been a vocal advocate for modernizing the agricultural sector, pushing for innovative farming techniques and improved market access for local farmers. His leadership in the Council reflects his broader vision of transforming Sri Lanka’s spice industry into a globally recognized player.
In line with his commitment to social responsibility, Anushka spearheaded the “Be the Best Spiced” Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. This initiative is focused on motivating and empowering local spice growers, ensuring they receive the support they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive global market. By providing training and resources, he is helping these farmers adopt sustainable practices, thereby not only enhancing their productivity but also improving their livelihoods.
Anushka’s relentless pursuit of innovation is reflected in the recent expansion of his product lines to include spice-infused teas, herbal drinks, and essential oils. These new products, aimed at both local and international markets, represent the next frontier in Sri Lanka’s spice industry. He is clear about his vision for the future: Sri Lanka must move beyond traditional bulk trading and embrace value addition. Only then, he believes, will the country’s spice sector reach its full potential on the global stage. “Value addition is the key to ensuring that Sri Lankan spices can compete globally and bring more significant returns for our farmers and the economy,” he explains.