To Give is To Gain: The Women at the Heart of Shirohana
As we celebrate International Women's Month 2026, the theme To Give is To Gain
speaks to a truth that has always quietly anchored Shirohana. It lives in the remarkable women who have shaped our story—from the founder who nurtured its earliest roots to the hundreds tending our flowers each day.
The Woman Behind the Roots
The story begins over five decades ago, when Mr Hubert Jayakody first introduced cut carnations to Sri Lanka, opening a new chapter for the country’s floral industry. Central to bringing this vision to life was his wife, Mrs Seela Jayakody, a trained botanist and horticulturist.
A woman of rare duality, she was equally at home directing bulldozers in her grey skirt and Wellington boots to bring Shirohana’s first greenhouses to life in Hatton, as she was tending the flowers within them with care.
Her children grew up watching her give herself fully to this work. That legacy shaped the foundation and the future of the brand, which today continues under the leadership of her daughter, Mrs Shirani Jayasuriya, with the third generation now helping carry it forward.
A Legacy That Continues to Grow
Under Mrs Jayasuriya's leadership, Shirohana has evolved into a women-led business, where 90% of our 400-strong workforce are women.
This is no coincidence—it reflects the very nature of the work. Farming requires a unique bond with the soil, the plants, and with one another. At Shirohana, this spirit naturally shapes the way we work across our fields and studios, creating a collaborative workplace culture where women from all walks of life work side by side, united by a shared purpose.
The Power of Opportunity
Investing in women’s potential strengthens entire communities.
From hands-on floral design workshops to sabbaticals and work exchange programmes in Japan—where Huejay Farms is a leading exporter of spray carnations—our team gains international exposure and mentorship.
Flexible work practices and maternity support help create an environment where women thrive personally and professionally.
The true measure of Shirohana's success lies in the stories of our people.
Anna has been with Shirohana for 15 years. Through her work here, she was able to provide her children with the education she once feared was out of reach.
Today, one son is a university graduate, and the other is an aspiring engineer. She speaks with pride about the life she has built and believes that with clear goals and hard work, anything is possible.
Her story reflects the power of opportunity. She is one of many women at Shirohana, proving every day that to give is to gain.
What We Give, We Gain
Mrs Jayakody gave her knowledge, her time, and her vision. Today, Mrs Jayasuriya and the third generation continue that legacy, empowering hundreds of women to build their own futures.
When you invest in women, the impact multiplies. Skills deepen, families thrive, and communities grow stronger.
This International Women’s Month, we invite you to honour the women in your life with floral gifts that reflect their strength.
