Noa Fernando
Life’s Free Rein
She wears many hats both literally and figuratively. She is half Sri Lankan and half Dutch. And she’s a business owner cum entrepreneur, marketer, equestrienne, sister and daughter – and Sri Lanka’s biggest fan.
Noa Fernando embodies the attributes of a strong and independent go-getter when it comes to achieving life’s goals.
Sri Lanka’s vibrant beauty, natural wonders and diverse cultures drew her to stay back, and live in this isle when she came over for a vacation many years ago.
Noa is also driven by a desire to take Sri Lanka’s crafts and products to the world market. She is passionate about uplifting rural communities, and empowering women in villages to take charge of their lives and livelihoods.
The Managing Director of two businesses – Mount Royal Industries and ESNA Exports – and having worked in real estate marketing, she is also the owner and Managing Director of Property Search One.
Furthermore, Noa is the President of the Ceylon Riding Club at Port City Colombo. Having spent most of her childhood around horses in the Netherlands, she took up the reins of her love for the sport after moving to Sri Lanka.
Today, she is on a mission to promote the horse riding culture in Sri Lanka and make it part of the island’s offering – be it in the realm of sport or economics.
Ruwandi Perera spoke to this elegant, passionate, inspiring and fun loving personality to unearth what it’s like to embrace life in its free rein.
Growing up surrounded by the vibrant traditions of Sri Lanka and progressive values of the Netherlands has made me embrace the beauty of differences
THE DUTCH-SRI LANKAN
I resonate more with my Sri Lankan heritage, and feel a deep connection to its rich traditions and sense of togetherness
Q: You have roots in Sri Lanka and the Netherlands… How has this made you the person you are today?
A: Growing up surrounded by the vibrant traditions of Sri Lanka and progressive values of the Netherlands has made me embrace the beauty of differences.
It has fostered an open heart and a continually growing curiosity about the world. It has also made me diverse, adaptable and nonjudgmental, and able to keep an open mind with respect for people from all walks of life.
Q: So how Dutch or Sri Lankan are you – and why do you say so?
A: I resonate more with my Sri Lankan heritage, and feel a deep connection to its rich traditions and sense of togetherness. However, the Dutch influence in me shines through in aspects such as efficiency, straightforwardness and having a grounded approach to life.
Q: What attracted you to live in Sri Lanka?
A: Its diversity, vibrant colours, food, weather, people, nature and wildlife – all contribute to the beautiful chaos that is Sri Lanka! It’s the country’s potential that keeps me captivated.
Q: Are there any changes that you would like to see in Sri Lanka?
A: I strongly advocate for prioritising the preservation of Sri Lanka’s natural beauty including its wildlife, oceans and cultural heritage sites.
This not only serves well for sustainable tourism but is also vital for the wellbeing of our country. Our unique features such as the natural landscapes and cultural richness set us apart; and valuing and appreciating what we possess is crucial.
In addition, there needs to be improved educational opportunities – because education is the cornerstone of progress and development.
There also needs to be a cultural shift where our people proudly embrace their heritage and shed any remnants of a colonial mindset. This transformation is essential for fostering unity and a strong national identity.
Q: Where do you see yourself in five years – both geographically and in life?
A: When it comes to my life, I’ve never planned ahead. This keeps things exciting and prevents disappointment. Anything can happen and many things probably won’t. I take it as it comes.
ABOUT NOA
DATE OF BIRTH
10 January 1992
GOALS
Continuing to showcase Sri Lanka and its craftsmanship globally
EDUCATION
Primary education in the Netherlands
Communication and Marketing – Fontys University of Applied Sciences (Eindhoven – the Netherlands)
Online Strategies – Cornell University (New York)
LOVES
Her family
Nature and animals
FAMILY
Father (Rohan Fernando)
Mother (Trudy Fernando-van Wordragen)
Sisters (Laura and Helen)
PET PEEVES
Chewing noises
People who disregard queueing etiquette
HABITS
Morning coffee ritual
Excessive phone scrolling
Late bedtime routine
MUST-HAVE THINGS
A good pair of jeans
A car
Perfume
DRIVEN BY
Life’s general journey
FAVOURITE ACTIVITIES
Getting lost in nature
Horseback riding
YET TO TRY
Skiing
LIFE MANTRA
What will be will be
THE BUSINESSWOMAN
Diversity, vibrant colours, food, weather, people, nature and wildlife – all contribute to the beautiful chaos that is Sri Lanka
Q: From real estate to exports and the empowerment of women, what is your personal philosophy when it comes to business?
A: My approach is simple – pursue what I love, act with integrity and persevere through challenges with honesty.
Q: How has your Dutch-Sri Lankan heritage influenced your approach to work?
A: Since I work primarily with locals, understanding their mindset is crucial to succeed in business.
My upbringing, shaped by the values of hard work and empathy instilled in me by my Dutch-Sri Lankan parents, emphasises the importance of adapting to local ways of life. This cultural fusion enables me to navigate the intricacies of diverse perspectives.
Q: You are known to be a risk taker who enjoys diversification… What drives this passion for change and agility?
A: I believe that embracing change and diversification keeps life dynamic, and opens doors to new possibilities – while stagnation is the enemy of growth.
Q: What have been the most challenging experiences of running a business to date?
A: Reflecting on my current challenges, running a business has been the toughest due to language barriers as I haven’t mastered Sinhala yet.
Q: And what’s most fulfilling about your work?
A: Bringing positive change, leaving a mark on the women in the villages where my factories are located and empowering them with self-responsibility…
I find great satisfaction in contributing to improving village economies, which are the backbone of our nation’s real economy, and making a meaningful impact on people’s lives. And sharing the goodness and crafts of Sri Lanka with the world through exports adds a special joy to my journey.
FAVOURITES
GLOBAL ICONS
Nelson Mandela
Louis Armstrong
Frida Kahlo
CUISINE
Sri Lankan
Mediterranean
French
GLOBAL DESTINATIONS
Sabi Sands Game Reserve (South Africa)
Japan
The South of France
WAYS TO UNWIND
With a glass of wine and soothing music
Heading out to nature
Riding a horse
LOCAL DESTINATIONS
Mahiyanganaya
Ahangama
Belihuloya
Jaffna
THE EQUESTRIENNE
Q: How did your love for horses begin?
A: I grew up in a Dutch village where riding horses was common. My older sister’s influence made me embrace the equestrian world. She was a great showjumper while I learned dressage. Being around horses became an integral part of my upbringing.
Q: What would you define as a ‘good ride’?
A: In my case, a good ride is when I’m in my own bubble, deeply connected with my horse. Achieving a harmonious bond with these sensitive creatures makes for a truly fantastic ride.
I believe that embracing change and diversification keeps life dynamic, and opens doors to new possibilities – while stagnation is the enemy of growth
Q: And what’s the bedrock of your equestrian calling?
A: The profound connection and understanding that I share with these magnificent animals.
Q: As the President of the Ceylon Riding Club at Port City Colombo, what is your vision for equestrianism in Sri Lanka?
A: My vision – which I share with the owner of the Ceylon Riding Club Dr. Ineke Ann Pitts – is to unlock Sri Lanka’s potential for international equestrian activities.
The exclusive locality of the Ceylon Riding Club at Port City Colombo – as the only riding club in the heart of the city – provides significant advantages. Additionally, I aspire to unite all stakeholders in the equestrian business in Sri Lanka, and help foster a robust sector that prioritises the country, welfare of horses and skills of riders.
Fostering a thriving equestrian sector carries economic advantages for Sri Lanka. Globally, the equestrian sector is experiencing substantial growth, particularly in Asian countries such as China, India, the Philippines and Malaysia.
Q: Your love for horses has driven you to spearhead several initiatives in Sri Lanka… What’s next?
A: Our next focus is to enhance the accessibility and appeal of equestrian activities in Sri Lanka. We aim to introduce innovative programmes that not only promote the sport but also contribute positively to the local community and broader equestrian landscape.
MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES
Spending a week in a South African national park and hearing lions roar while seated by a bonfire
Becoming an aunt
THE PERSONA
Q: Leaving aside your roles in life, who is Noa?
A: I consider myself a gentle down-to-earth person, and I find joy in nature, wildlife, travel, meaningful conversations, art and a glass of wine.
Q: Who or what has had the most influence on you?
A: My mixed roots – my father’s wisdom and mother’s kindness have shaped me.
The invaluable norms and values instilled in me by my parents and examples set by my sisters have guided me on how to navigate life – and be strong and true to myself.
Q: When you’re not working or pursuing a pastime, what do you do to keep yourself occupied?
A: I find solace in reading, exploring new places and immersing myself in nature since that’s my way of recharging and maintaining a sense of balance.
My vision… is to unlock Sri Lanka’s potential for international equestrian activities