WCIC calls on women entrepreneurs to drive Sri Lanka’s economic growth
By Ifham Nizam The Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) has called on women entrepreneurs across Sri Lanka to step forward, scale up their businesses and play a stronger role in driving the country’s economic recovery and future growth. Making the call at the launch of the ‘2026 Pratibhabhisheka Women Entrepreneur Awards’ at a […]
The Women's Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) has urged women entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka to take a leading role in the nation's economic resurgence and long-term growth. During the inauguration of the '2026 Pratibhabhisheka Women Entrepreneur Awards' at an event hosted by Jetwing Colombo 07, WCIC chairperson Gayani De Alwis emphasized that women, comprising 52% of Sri Lanka's population, are woefully underrepresented in the country's economic and entrepreneurial sectors.
De Alwis highlighted that the awards aim to acknowledge women's contributions and encourage them to contribute more, by helping them overcome obstacles related to finance, market access, knowledge, technology, and data. The 2026 awards represent the fifth iteration of the 'Pratibhabhisheka' initiative, which has been revamped since 2022 to emphasize a stronger national economic and empowerment focus.
Established in 1985 as the world's first women-only chamber, WCIC's awards have evolved into a respected national platform, now acknowledging women entrepreneurs both locally and internationally. The rigorous evaluation process for the awards ensures that recipients are genuinely women-owned and women-led, and adhere to sound financial and governance standards.
WCIC is also implementing projects outside the awards, such as a recent fashion show to help SME fashion entrepreneurs reach export markets. WCIC co-chairperson Nilani Seneviratne stated that the 2026 awards celebrate women who have 'dared to dream, overcome challenges, and create impact.' Co-chair Wathsala Wickramanayake added that the awards go beyond celebrating businesses, instead recognizing courage, vision, resilience, and the ability to bring about change.
The 2025 awards received over 100 applicants, with 31 winners receiving 47 awards. These winners were distributed across all nine provinces, with the Western Province contributing the most (68%), followed by the Northern Province (7%) and the Central Province (6%). For the 2026 awards, eligible applicants must operate registered businesses with majority women ownership.
The application process involves submitting detailed information under two main categories — "My Story" and "Finance and Governance" — before being shortlisted for a face-to-face interview with an independent panel. The "My Story" section assesses the business's purpose, the entrepreneur's journey, entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, value creation, market impact, and strategic direction.
The "Finance and Governance" assessment evaluates financial value creation, governance practices, staff development, strategic expansion, and export potential.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
