Business
AccelerateHER, a meaningful catalyst for innovation and higher female labour force participation in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s first accelerator program tailored for the country’s female founders, AccelerateHER, which recently held its finale event ‘Demo Day’. The program’s six recent graduates presented their products and services and pitched for the opportunity to receive investment and support from partners in Sri Lanka, USA and other parts of the world in effectively taking their business towards global markets.The event which took place on 23 June 2022, was held at the Hatch premises and featured female founders in industries that included tourism, baby and mother care, sustainable fashion and food. These six founders spent the last three months going through a rapid and immersive business acceleration program, working with industry mentors, business advisors, and subject matter experts.
When Hatch launched ‘AccelerateHER’ in collaboration with the US Department of State in November 2021, it was intended as an accelerator and gender-based awareness-raising initiative, aimed at developing women entrepreneurs within the country.
“When the US began this partnership with Hatch to start the AccelerateHER program last year, we envisioned that women entrepreneurs would reap the benefits. Their success is now our success, and I can’t think of a better investment”, said US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie J. Chung, on Demo Day.
Aside from the US Department of State, the program was supported by outreach partners, including Diversity collective, Youlead, WEconnect International, Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Daily FT, TNL, Arteculate, Echelon, and Chokolaate.The six founders showcased on Demo Day included Shenuka Umagiliya, Founder of Ba. La. Mu, Sashini Jinasena, Founder of Leo the Label, Bhagya Sandakalum Founder of BlueFish, Shivani Tyronne, Founder of Miris by IslandMom, Lasni Silva, Founder of Lactoboost by Spice Carriage and Tina Lobo, Founder of True by Tina. Hatch provided each of these female founders a platform to access the skills and resources needed to scale their business.
AccelerateHER’s women entrepreneurs benefited from Hatch’s mentors and experts who have deep industry, investment, and entrepreneurship knowledge from having worked across all stages of a startup. This collective experience, together with that of Hatch’s growing list of female alumni, is aimed at helping these female founders overcome gender-specific nuances that prevent women from succeeding in business through peer-to-peer learning, to become investor-ready.The program allows a selected number of women entrepreneurs and their startups to take part in the three-month initiative, giving them the opportunity to collaborate and co-create together with the larger entrepreneurial ecosystem while also enhancing their knowledge and uplifting their businesses.
“Global studies show that businesses with women founders raise more money and build better results. Yet, women often dismiss entrepreneurship as an option due to its impact on their family lives and its high risk. However, these six talented women entrepreneurs have demonstrated that despite harsh economic conditions, with hard work and creativity you can exceed your wildest expectations for yourself. We hope that AccelerateHer continues to be an important catalyst for higher female labour force participation in Sri Lanka” – Brindha Selvadurai, CEO and Co-Founder of Hatch.
HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) made a significant ascent in the latest LMD 100 rankings climbing 13 places to reach rank 64, cementing its position as one of Sri Lanka’s leading listed companies. Throughout the past few years, HNB Assurance has grown stronger, smarter and more united in its purpose, turning challenges into opportunities and refining every aspect of its operations.
The LMD 100 is a prestigious annual ranking that evaluates the financial and strategic performance of publicly listed companies in Sri Lanka. HNB Assurance has consistently climbed the ranks year after year in recent years, reflecting the company’s sustained growth. With 2025 underway, HNB Assurance is planning to leverage its strengths and growth momentum maintained over the past couple of years, as this year represents the penultimate step in its ambitious journey toward achieving the vision of “10% market share by 2026”, a transformative goal that aims to redefine, elevate and position the company as a trailblazer in the industry.
Sharing his thoughts on the company’s new ranking, Lasitha Wimalarathne, Chief Executive Officer of HNB Assurance PLC, stated, “Our upward trajectory in the LMD 100 rankings reflects the collective efforts of our incredible team, the trust our customers have placed in us and our ability to adapt to the dynamic business landscape. At HNB Assurance, we remain committed to strengthening our core business, embracing innovation and delivering sustainable value to all our stakeholders.”
“As we step into 2025, it is inspiring to reflect on our journey so far. By the end of Q3 2024, we achieved growth that was well above the industry average, a remarkable feat we’ve consistently maintained since 2022. This success has been driven by the exceptional efforts of our sales force both from the Advisor Distribution and Partnerships channels, alongside the support of all our teams. I must also add that our vision for ‘10 in 2026’ is not merely a corporate milestone, it embodies our broader aspiration to transform lives, uplift communities and set new benchmarks in the industry. As the countdown to this goal continues, we will maintain our growth, while continuing to stive and create a lasting impact on the lives of our policyholders.” added, Wimalaratne.
Sri Lanka Insurance further expands its presence in the Upper Western region with the opens its Naiwala Agency Business Development Center (ABDC) on the 12th of December at No.90/6/C, Airport Road, Naiwala junction, Veyangoda.
The occasion was graced by SLIC Life Chief Business Officer Namalee A. Silva, Deputy General Manager – National Sales (Life) Jagath Welgama, Upper Western regional management, Branch Management of Veyangoda representing Life and General categories. Distinguished invitees and customers of the area were also in attendance at the event.
Agency Business Development Centers (ABDC) allows SLIC to further enhance its reach, which provides convenience and speed of service delivery to its loyal customers in relation with their protection needs.
CEAT Kelani Holdings has introduced a new high-performance tractor tyre, the 13.6 – 28 PUDDLE XL TT 12PR, just in time for the harvest phase of the Maha cultivation season. Designed specifically for agricultural use, this innovative cross-ply tyre promises to enhance farming efficiency and tractor operations.
Compatible with leading tractor brands such as Sonalika, TAFE, John Deere, and Mahindra, the tyre features advanced design elements tailored for puddling operations. Its higher non-skid depth (NSD) ensures superior traction in wet and muddy conditions, while wide and angular lugs improve stability and grip. The tyre’s deep and open shoulders allow for effective self-cleaning, and reinforced carcass construction extends its lifespan, offering excellent value for farmers.
This is the sixth tractor tyre variant developed and manufactured locally by CEAT Kelani Holdings, showcasing the company’s dedication to the agriculture sector.
CEAT Kelani Chief Operating Officer Shamal Gunawardene noted that the tyre addresses the unique challenges faced during the harvest period. “It ensures improved performance, durability, and reliability, empowering farmers and operators to achieve better productivity,” he said.
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