by Veronica Balderas Iglesias

09 June 2007

Pamunugama, Sri Lanka: Toshiyuki Yamana’s presence has never gone unnoticed.  It is not because he is a Japanese man who often wears a funny-looking cap, has contagious laughter and jokingly bangs at his superior's door to announce his arrival.  It is the fact that he is a 70-year old man still working as a committed UNV volunteer that has earned him the title ‘King of Volunteers’.

“I gave him that nickname out of respect and admiration.  I’m impressed that someone his age is still so energetic and agreed to come all the way from Osaka to share his business skills with us.  He is simply the best management advisor we've ever had,” says Mr. B. Rodrigo, Managing Director of Bopitiya Auto Enterprises (BAE).

Toshi, as everyone calls him, is funded by the Asian Productivity Organisation, a regional intergovernmental organisation established in 1961 to contribute to the socioeconomic development of Asia and the Pacific through enhancing productivity.  He has served in different UNV assignments in Pakistan, Lao, in the area of small and medium-sized enterprise development.  Before that, he also served with the United Nations Mission in Kosovo.  

In Sri Lanka, Toshi is supporting the progress of productivity enhancement.  As part of the “Development of Demonstration Companies” project, he has been in charge of finding the best ways to raise the low levels of productivity in eight small and medium size enterprises.  One of these companies is BAE, which manufactures and sells motor spare parts.

“My first assessment of the company’s dynamics was very negative,” Toshi explains pointing out that it was lacking organised systems at various levels.  “We had to computerize important operations such as the customer and supplier database.  This has led to better store management and distribution.”  Toshi’s know-how helped improve BAE’s productivity and increase its overall sales.  

With his assignment in Sri Lanka coming to an end, the company’s owner recently awarded Toshi a commemorative plaque as a token of appreciation for his commitment and contribution.  

“When I joined UNV in 1996, I never thought I would be able to survive the harsh living conditions in places like Somalia, Kosovo, Pakistan and Laos.  However I'm very active and volunteering is important to me, since it makes a difference in people’s lives,” Toshi emphasizes.

One might think that for this experienced professional, who has travelled around the world teaching others his management techniques, the time has come to rest and relax.  However, in Toshi’s mind, this statement couldn't be farther from the truth.

“Most of my friends back home are my age and are tired of working.  But as long as I’m healthy, I will continue travelling and sharing my skills, there’s no doubt about it,” he says with a huge smile that reminds everyone around him that after all ... he is the King!