Born from a Love for Local Products: The Story of Ayam Kalayagam

Vavuniya is a meeting point for diverse communities and cultures. Within this distinctive setting, Ayam Kalayagam has grown into a store shaped by a love for locally made products and a deep attachment to Tamil identity. Located at the Suthananda Hindu Youth Association premises on Railway Station Road, Vavuniya, the outlet brings together handicrafts, practical household goods and environmentally responsible products from local makers.

The enterprise is managed by Navaratnam Arulananth, widely known as Arul, a young entrepreneur recognised for his social commitment, appreciation of Tamil culture and support for local production. At a time when many businesses are drawn towards mass-produced modern goods, his work demonstrates that tradition, enterprise and community responsibility can grow together.

From palmyrah-leaf invitations to a local marketplace

The initiative began approximately seven years ago with an idea to produce and print invitations on palmyrah leaves. As the venture developed, it needed a clear identity, and the name “Ayam” was chosen. What started with palmyrah-leaf invitations has since expanded into a platform for eco-friendly goods and a growing collection of locally produced items.

Palmyrah-leaf invitations express the character of the business particularly well. They turn a familiar regional material into a distinctive product while preserving craft knowledge and offering customers an alternative to conventional printed invitations. The initiative also shows how innovation does not always mean abandoning tradition; sometimes it means finding a new purpose and market for skills already present within the community.

Creating opportunities for producers beyond one brand

One of Ayam Kalayagam’s most important features is that it does not operate only as a sales point for its own products. The store provides market access for other local producers who may have limited opportunities to reach customers. Its shelves therefore represent the work of many entrepreneurs rather than a single enterprise.

Local production creates value beyond the final product. Raw materials are often sourced within the region, and income can flow to growers, collectors, craft workers, packers and sellers. By helping products reach a wider market, a retail platform such as Ayam can strengthen several connected livelihoods. This cooperative role is especially important for small producers who may not have the resources to maintain their own permanent outlet.

A collection rooted in Northern and Eastern Sri Lanka

The outlet supports products not only from Vavuniya District but also from communities across the Northern and Eastern Provinces. The range includes palmyrah-based household products and crafts such as steaming boxes, string-hopper trays, woven items, mats, ladles and other practical goods used in everyday life.

During the preparation of the original feature, local producers were observed bringing their palmyrah-based goods to the outlet and receiving payment for their work. Customers from different backgrounds were also purchasing a wide range of items. This activity reflects the store’s role as both a commercial space and a link between makers and consumers.

Why supporting local products matters

Enterprises such as Ayam Kalayagam can become part of Vavuniya’s identity while creating practical selling opportunities for other entrepreneurs. Their progress depends not only on the commitment of the founder but also on customers who value regional materials, local skills and responsible production. Choosing a locally made item can help preserve knowledge, circulate income within the region and encourage producers to improve and expand their work.

Visit or contact Ayam Kalayagam

Customers interested in purchasing local products can contact founder Navaratnam Arulananth. Address: Ayam, Hindu Youth Association premises, Railway Station Road, Vavuniya. Telephone and WhatsApp: 077 196 0152.

Written by Shanmugarasa Manimaran, author of the Business Vavuniya website.