By Thiloththama Jayasinghe, Jadetimes Staff
T. Jayasinghe is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Business News
The Language of Flowers: How Shirohana Redefines Expression with Ornamental Flowers
Can a flower talk? At first glance, this may sound like an unusual question. But if you think deep inside, you'll realize flowers do communicate in their own silent yet powerful way. A flower is capable of expressing emotions, going beyond the boundaries of words, and becoming a messenger for human emotions. Think of the last time you gave or received flowers, be it in moments of joy, love, or sorrow; flowers manage to do what often words fail at.
No-frill bouquet might stand for love, admiration, celebration, or for that matter even sympathy. Lovers take the help of flowers in speaking their heart's love with them, a space is decorated with flowers to celebrate an event, and bouquets silently say it all in times when words fall short- at a time when bereavement has stuck. Among the masters of this expression with flowers is *Shirohana*, who changed the meaning of the word 'decorative flowers' for more than 35 years now.
Shirohana: The Heart of Ornamental Flower Art
Born amidst the scenic mountains of Sri Lanka, wrapped in cool mists enveloping the rich green landscapes, Shirohana is more than just a flower; it is art. Leading the brand is Huejay International Multiflora Pvt. Ltd., one of the largest growers and exporters of ornamental flowers to the world.
Shirohana's roots run deep in some of Sri Lanka's most fertile soils. The main farm is located at Nuwaraeliya, the hub of flower cultivation in this country. Other stretches of cultivation farms are found at Kappetipola, Beragala, Divulapitiya, and Kirinda, where flowers are grown with state-of-the-art agricultural technology. Each flower is tenderly nurtured in scientifically controlled environments where temperature, light, and soil are accurately monitored and regulated to deliver just the perfect bloom.
This leads to a staggering assortment of flowers that light up homes and occasions in Sri Lanka and also grace venues globally. Shirohana's commitment to quality has seen the company being awarded numerous local and international awards, making it one of the premier companies in the ornamental flower industry.
Our mission goes beyond the farm; our operations are dedicated to helping other farmers achieve the same results in terms of sustainability. We have a very active and committed team of over 400 full- and part-time employees who contribute directly to the advancement of the community, continuously improving local schools, roads, and infrastructure. We also take care of their quality of life for themselves and families by providing housing, financial support, education, and professional opportunities.
Caring Heart Behind Every Bloom
What makes Shirohana unique is that it takes a holistic approach: not only to raising flowers but also, equally importantly, to the people in the process. Today, Huejay International Multiflora runs as one big family with more than 400 employees united together for the same idea of bringing beauty to life with flowers. The value of this company's assets currently exceeds more than USD 2 billion, which says much about its progressive development and success. It is, however, in the nurturing of both its employees and flowers that its approach cements the basis for success.
Just as a tender seed sown and nurtured with care, so is that with Shirohana's workers. The management realizes that a happy, well-cared-for workforce leads to quality output, thus nutritious meals are a given, along with transportation and health insurance for the workers. Workers come to work relaxed because they know their company will take care of them through all aspects of life, both personal and professional. This sense of harmony works itself through in the quality bunches that Shirohana sends to customers who love and trust it.
We target totally sustainable farming, and the rose farm project is a benchmark toward this vision. Minus 40% of water usage, green energy powering, almost zero carbon footprint, leading without compromising the quality of our export-grade roses. A third-generation family business, expanding despite COVID-19 and economic crises.
Taking Shirohana to the World
Shirohana's influence goes beyond the picturesque hills of Sri Lanka. In 1983, Shirohana made its mark on the flower world by emerging as the biggest supplier of carnation flowers to Japan. Since then, its reach has stretched across countries such as Singapore, Dubai, Oman, Bahrain, and the United Kingdom. A relationship of trust was forged between them, bound together by the highest standards of flower production, blending tradition with modern agricultural technology.
The top-tier flowers Shirohana has earned a reputation for have extended even to its marketing and retail. Ornomental flower shops in the brand's name rank among the most breathtakingly beautiful in Southeast Asia, offering an immersive experience for the customer. Once you enter a Shirohana store, you are buying not flowers but an emotional experience. Each petal, each arrangement is crafted to return joy and bonding to the act of giving one another flowers, so that every bouquet will share a story.
A Future Blooming with Possibilities
Shirohana continues to look toward the future, uncompromisingly focusing on perfection. Constantly pushing the boundaries of floral art, the brand offers newer ways for flowers to become vessels of human emotion at weddings, festivals, corporate events, or quiet moments.
It was and will continue to be Shirohana's commitment to broadening its horizons even further in the years to come, introducing more innovative and expressive ways of bringing people together with the language of flowers. From the fertile fields of Sri Lanka to the hands of a loved one on the other side of the world, a Shirohana flower undertakes a journey of love, care, and passion. And in that process, Shirohana is like unending blossoms of cherry flowers, not as a brand, but an eternal sign touching the very heart of the life-giving connection there between nature and the tide of emotions of humanity.
Can flowers talk, then? Through Shirohana, definitely. Every petal, every arrangement-speak volumes about flowers from Shirohana on love, cheer, and sympathy. Rising from small beginnings in the misty mountains of Sri Lanka to today's recognition, Shirohana has honed the art of talking through flowers. As this brand now reaches out for further growth, flowers will continue whispering messages of beauty and affection to the world.
