News: Support adds to recipe for success for Rotherham-based Sri Lankan food business
A family-run food business bringing authentic Sri Lankan flavours to communities across South Yorkshire and beyond is expanding its offering thanks to support from a UKSE Kickstart Grant, delivered through RiDO.
Based in Rotherham, Curry Leafs was established by a local entrepreneur with a passion for traditional Sri Lankan cooking and baking. Originally launched as a small home-based venture alongside part-time work, the business has grown steadily through word-of-mouth recommendations, community support and increasing demand for authentic homemade Sri Lankan food.
Drawing on recipes and cooking techniques passed down through her family, particularly from her mother and grandmother, Hasitha established Curry Leafs to provide authentic homemade Sri Lankan food to people longing for the flavours and memories of home.
Since formally launching, Curry Leafs has expanded from a simple pick-and-mix meal offering into a broader food business serving customers across Rotherham, Sheffield, Birmingham, Coventry, Nottingham, London and Manchester.
To support the business, Hasitha applied for the UKSE Kickstart grant, delivered in partnership with Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO) – UKSE provides finance of up to £1.5m to growing companies, as well as providing support for start-ups – which enabled Curry Leafs to purchase essential catering equipment and a professional gazebo, significantly improving its presence at outdoor events and enhancing its ability to cater for larger functions. The investment has strengthened the business’s presentation, operational capacity and overall customer experience.
Looking ahead, Curry Leafs plans to continue expanding its catering and events offering, with long-term ambitions to launch a food truck and eventually open a Sri Lankan-inspired restaurant serving both traditional and fusion dishes. The business also hopes to create flexible employment opportunities for women, particularly those balancing family commitments, helping them build financial independence and stability.
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Hasitha Priyadarshani, founder of Curry Leafs, said: “Curry Leafs started from a passion for cooking and sharing authentic Sri Lankan food with others.
“I would like to acknowledge the support of my husband and brother, who, without their support throughout this journey, Curry Leafs would not be where it is today.
“The support from UKSE has allowed us to invest in equipment that will help us grow, improve our presence at events and take on larger opportunities.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support we have received throughout our journey.”
Pete Newton, Regional Executive at UKSE said: “Curry Leafs is a fantastic example of how a small business can grow through passion, determination and a commitment to quality.
“We are delighted that the Kickstart Grant has helped support the next stage of the business’s development. We wish Hasitha every success as the business continues to expand.”
Darren McDool, New Business Developer at RiDO. Said: “Their passion for the business is clear to all to see and it’s been a pleasure working with them on UKSE Kickstart application.
“We look forward to supporting them further as they take the next steps in growing from a promising start.”
UKSE provides loans and equity finance of up to £1.5m to existing growing businesses, particularly those creating jobs.
Curry Leafs website
UKSE website
RiDO website
Images: UKSE
Based in Rotherham, Curry Leafs was established by a local entrepreneur with a passion for traditional Sri Lankan cooking and baking. Originally launched as a small home-based venture alongside part-time work, the business has grown steadily through word-of-mouth recommendations, community support and increasing demand for authentic homemade Sri Lankan food.
Drawing on recipes and cooking techniques passed down through her family, particularly from her mother and grandmother, Hasitha established Curry Leafs to provide authentic homemade Sri Lankan food to people longing for the flavours and memories of home.
Since formally launching, Curry Leafs has expanded from a simple pick-and-mix meal offering into a broader food business serving customers across Rotherham, Sheffield, Birmingham, Coventry, Nottingham, London and Manchester.
To support the business, Hasitha applied for the UKSE Kickstart grant, delivered in partnership with Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO) – UKSE provides finance of up to £1.5m to growing companies, as well as providing support for start-ups – which enabled Curry Leafs to purchase essential catering equipment and a professional gazebo, significantly improving its presence at outdoor events and enhancing its ability to cater for larger functions. The investment has strengthened the business’s presentation, operational capacity and overall customer experience.
Looking ahead, Curry Leafs plans to continue expanding its catering and events offering, with long-term ambitions to launch a food truck and eventually open a Sri Lankan-inspired restaurant serving both traditional and fusion dishes. The business also hopes to create flexible employment opportunities for women, particularly those balancing family commitments, helping them build financial independence and stability.
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Hasitha Priyadarshani, founder of Curry Leafs, said: “Curry Leafs started from a passion for cooking and sharing authentic Sri Lankan food with others.
“I would like to acknowledge the support of my husband and brother, who, without their support throughout this journey, Curry Leafs would not be where it is today.
“The support from UKSE has allowed us to invest in equipment that will help us grow, improve our presence at events and take on larger opportunities.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support we have received throughout our journey.”
Pete Newton, Regional Executive at UKSE said: “Curry Leafs is a fantastic example of how a small business can grow through passion, determination and a commitment to quality.
“We are delighted that the Kickstart Grant has helped support the next stage of the business’s development. We wish Hasitha every success as the business continues to expand.”
Darren McDool, New Business Developer at RiDO. Said: “Their passion for the business is clear to all to see and it’s been a pleasure working with them on UKSE Kickstart application.
“We look forward to supporting them further as they take the next steps in growing from a promising start.”
UKSE provides loans and equity finance of up to £1.5m to existing growing businesses, particularly those creating jobs.
Curry Leafs website
UKSE website
RiDO website
Images: UKSE
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