Business
ILO ignites spirit of youth entrepreneurship across Sri Lanka
School Entrepreneurship Day was recently conducted across Sri Lanka with over 2000 school students from the nine provinces participating at the event organised by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the International Labour Organization, endorsed by the Ministry of Education.
Speaking at the event in Colombo, Minister of Education Dr. Susil Premajayantha, stated ‘Today, in Sri Lanka, we commemorate Entrepreneurship Day, a momentous occasion. I extend my gratitude to the Ceylon Chamber, the ILO and all other partners and sponsors for their instrumental roles in facilitating this event. The significance of entrepreneurship has garnered substantial attention in contemporary discussions. It’s imperative that we prioritize fostering research and innovation within all our educational institutions to effectively promote and cultivate an entrepreneurial spirit. This emphasis on innovation is crucial for nurturing the entrepreneurial mindset among our future generations, especially in schools.’
Secretary General and CEO of the Ceylon Chamber Buwanekabahu Perera said: “‘ This event holds great significance, especially in nurturing entrepreneurial skills among young individuals, notably within schools. Encouraging entrepreneurship early instils business acumen and fosters innovation, problem-solving, and forward-thinking mindsets. This investment in youth entrepreneurship not only builds a strong foundation for their future but also greatly contributes to the nation’s economic growth.’
Dr. Thomas Kring, Chief Technical Advisor of ILO stated ‘In our pursuit of creating meaningful and productive employment opportunities for all Sri Lankans, the promotion of entrepreneurship emerges as a crucial focus. Sri Lanka has a relatively young population, presenting a significant opportunity for the nation’s advancement. However, this potential can only be fully realized if urgent concerns like escalating unemployment are effectively tackled. Hence, the ILO is committed to fostering entrepreneurship as a strategic approach to address these challenges and harness the potential of the country’s burgeoning young population.”
Students participating at Schoolpreneur 2023 in all nine provinces, participated in a variety of engaging activities, including workshops, competitions and idea pitching, centered around the key themes of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Business World International Conference and Awards Ceremony organised by Business World International Organisation INC-USA, the event which is recognized as one of the most prestigious Business Award Festivals in the Asia Pacific Region, was held at the Mount Lavinia Hotel, Colombo with the participation of several business personalities and celebrities of Sri Lanka. The Joint Chief Guests were Dr. Purna Bahadur Nepali (Ambassador of Nepal to Sri Lanka) and Prof. Dr. Dietmar Doering (Founder / Chairman – AGSEP Research and Advisory Board Member of Business World International Organization – USA). Guests of Honour were Tham Whye Long (First Secretary/Head of Chancery – High Commission of Malaysia in Sri Lanka), Prof. Dr. Rohan De Silva (President – Sri Lanka Chamber of Small and Medium Industries), (Retd) Major General R. A. J. N. Ranasingha (RSP USP NDC MSC – Sri Lanka Army), Dr. Rohan Pallewatta (Excutive Chairman of the Start-Up High Tech Company – Lanka Harness, a BOI approved company operating in the Free Trade Zone at Biyagama in Sri Lanka), Dr. Kishu Gomes (Chairman – Exterminators PLC, Group Managing Director / CEO – Dreamron Group of Companies & Advisory Committee Member – Sri Lanka Tourism), Dian Gomes (Nonorary Consul of Georgia in Sri Lanka, Chairman – Colombo School of Business Management & Independent Non-Executive Director – Nestle Lanka Ltd).
Special Guests were Rt. Rev. Bishop Prof. Dr. Nissanka Weerappulige (Advisory Board Member of Business World International Organization – USA), Prof. Dr. Dame Anoma Weeraratne Wijenayake (Advisory Board Member of Business World International Organization – USA), Gerd Heinzerling (Advisory Board Member of Business World International Organization – USA), Priyantha Padmasiri (President – Sri Lanka Canada Business Council), M. H. K. M. Hameez (Vice President – Sri Lanka Canada Business Council & Immediate Past President – Sri Lanka Malaysia Business Council). The invitees were graciously welcomed by Dr. Anthony Dexter Fernando (Chairman – Business World International Organisation USA – International Chapter), Dr. Tharindu Wijenayake (Deputy Chairman – Business World International Organisation USA – International Chapter) and Dr. Emerita Wijenayake (Project Chairperson & Director – Business World International Organisation USA – International Chapter).
Sampath Bank recently formalised a strategic partnership with the Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE) by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at its Head Office. This partnership highlights Sampath Bank’s ongoing commitment to promoting innovation, driving business growth, and empowering Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Through this collaboration, Sampath Bank will serve as the official banking partner for the COYLE Awards and the Young Lankan Program, two flagship initiatives that recognise business excellence and nurture emerging leaders. Supporting these initiatives allows the Bank to create a strong pipeline for SME engagement, provide access to tailored financial solutions, and build meaningful relationships with the country’s leading entrepreneurs.
ANC, a leading Lankan higher education provider, partnered with Northwood University to host the 2025 NUCARS simulation in Sri Lanka for the first time. Held from April 7–11, the event brought together students from the U.S., Europe, and Sri Lanka for an immersive, hands-on learning experience in automotive retail strategy. Twenty-two ANC students participated, showcasing their ability to compete globally. Celebrating its 28th anniversary, NUCARS emphasized teamwork, cross-cultural collaboration, and real-world business decision-making—highlighting ANC’s commitment to delivering globally recognized education and empowering students with essential skills for the international marketplace, said a release.
Pakistan will not travel to India for 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup
Gunmen shoot 12 dead at Ecuador cockfight
Thousands join anti-Trump protests across US
-
Business2 days agoDIMO pioneers major fleet expansion with Tata SIGNA Prime Movers for ILM
-
Business7 days agoIMF staff team concludes visit to Sri Lanka
-
Features4 days agoNipping the two leaves and the bud
-
Features4 days agoAvurudu celebrations … galore
-
Features3 days agoProf. Lal Tennekoon: An illustrious but utterly unpretentious and much -loved academic
-
Latest News7 days agoSun directly overhead Delft, Pooneryn, Elephant pass and Chundikulam at about 12:10 noon today (14th)
-
Latest News6 days agoLet us collectively support the government’s vision for economic, social, and political transformations – President
-
Foreign News1 day agoChina races robots against humans in Beijing half marathon