Building Opportunities CASHNUJA SELVAKUMAR on Entrepreneurship, Resilience and Empowering the Next Generation

At just 25 years old, Cashnuja Selvakumar has already built a remarkable entrepreneurial journey defined by ambition, resilience and innovation. From launching her first venture in eBay ‘Drop Shipping’ at the age of 20 to co-founding Ticket Vault, one of Sri Lanka’s fastest-growing event ticketing platforms, she has consistently demonstrated a willingness to embrace opportunities and challenge conventional expectations.

- By Malinda Perera

Her story, however, extends far beyond business success. Diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis at the age of 19, Cashnuja faced a life-changing health challenge that tested her physical and emotional strength. Rather than allowing adversity to define her future, she transformed it into a source of motivation, drawing strength from her family, faith and determination. Through her work with New Generation Sri Lanka, mentorship programmes and international exposure, she continues to inspire young people to pursue their ambitions fearlessly. In this interview, Cashnuja reflects on entrepreneurship, overcoming obstacles, leadership, mentorship and her vision for creating opportunities for future generations.

Q: At just 25 years old, you have already built an impressive career. What inspired you to choose entrepreneurship over a more conventional career path?

From a very young age, I knew I wanted to build something of my own. Even during school, I was constantly thinking about business ideas and exploring ways to create value. Entrepreneurship felt like a natural extension of who I am because it offers the freedom to innovate, solve problems and create opportunities. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with following a traditional career path, I was drawn to the idea of building something from the ground up. What fascinates me most about entrepreneurship is its ability to create impact. It is not simply about generating income; it is about identifying challenges, finding solutions and making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. When I started, I certainly did not have all the answers. However, I strongly believe that waiting until you feel completely prepared often prevents you from beginning. There is a first time for everything. The most important step is simply getting started, learning through experience and trusting the process.