Sunday Jan 26, 2025
Sunday Jan 26, 2025
Friday, 24 January 2025 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
National Award winners with the WCIC board
The Woman Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 - Dr. Dilesha Perera (Dilchand)
The WCIC Prathibhabhisheka Women Entrepreneur Awards 2024, held on 7 January 2025, recognised and celebrated the achievements of exceptional women entrepreneurs. This flagship event, organised annually by the Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC), honours women entrepreneurs for their determination to scale and grow their businesses, making a positive contribution to the Sri Lankan economy. The awards were open to women entrepreneurs across Sri Lanka and the SAARC region, with a focus on strategic business growth, finance, and governance.
WCIC celebrates its 40th year of trailblazing existence, in 2025 and the award ceremony was the inaugural event under the activity planned for the year
The event was graced by distinguished guests, including Chief Guest Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, and Guest of Honour US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung, alongside our sponsors, past chairs of WCIC, members of WCIC, award winners, and their families
The event highlighted the diversity and impact of women entrepreneurs across Sri Lanka and the SAARC region. This year’s edition saw an inspiring 43% of applications coming from micro and small enterprises, with 33% from start-ups, showcasing the growing engagement of emerging businesses.
National winners:
Special Award 2023:
The Woman Entrepreneur - SAARC Region 2024 - Dr. Dilesha Perera (Dilchand Ltd.)
Category Winners:
Gold: Nevindaree Premarathne (The Makers Global)
Silver: Pavithra Hewavitharana (Gleamlk.com)
Bronze: Sasmithaa Manickam (Candle Amore)
Gold: Pubudu Wijeratne (Aklan)
Silver: Sunethra Kumari Karunaratne (Oshadhi Beauty Salon)
Bronze: Anusha Uthayakumaran (Kubera Laxmiy Enterprise)
Gold: Lasni Silva (Spice Carriage Ltd.)
Silver: Sanjiwani Perera (RHS Zone)
Silver: Damayanthi Suraweera (MHN Holdings)
Bronze: Praveena Joseph de Saram (Shiranee Joseph de Saram Foundation)
Gold: Ayomi Gunawardena (Inivos Consulting Ltd.)
Silver: Dr. Wanshika Dilshani (Synergy Bio Ltd.)
Bronze: Niluka Jayasinghe (Global Bookkeeping Solutions Ltd.)
Gold: Dr. Dilesha Perera (Dilchand Ltd.)
Silver: Denum Abeysekera (OKI International Ltd.)
Bronze: Pubudini Ishanthi (Professional Eco Care Ltd.)
Gold: Metilda Agnes Stanley (Techsurance Ltd., India)
Silver: Nighat Shahid (Shan Industries, Pakistan)
Bronze: Rabia Usman (The Listener Mental Health & Wellness Services, Pakistan)
Provincial Winners:
“As we honour the extraordinary strength and resilience of women entrepreneurs, we proudly celebrate these trailblazers who have not only built successful businesses but have done so with professionalism, innovation, and a commitment to sustainability,” WCIC President Gayani de Alwis spoke in vision. “They are the driving force behind the future of Sri Lanka’s economy, and their unwavering determination continues to inspire us all. Today, we stand with them, celebrating their achievements and reinforcing our belief that women-owned, women-led businesses have the power to grow our economy in an ethical and sustainable manner.
“Prathibhabhisheka, a Sanskrit term symbolising the crowning of women, perfectly encapsulates the spirit of this event,” co-chairs of the award ceremony, Tusita Kumarakulasingham and Nilani Senevirathna enlightened. “Relaunched in 2022, this program serves as a guiding platform for Sri Lanka’s highly capable women entrepreneurs to channel their efforts toward creating meaningful purposes for their businesses. Tonight, we celebrate their outstanding achievements and unwavering resilience. These exceptional women not only create a positive impact on society and the economy but also inspire the broader business community to dream big and persevere.”
The women who were recognised on this year, not only envisioned and built successful businesses, but also managed them with professionalism, innovation, and a commitment to sustainability. Their contributions to the Sri Lankan economy have been invaluable. Celebrating and recognising the hard work and impact of the entrepreneurs who won awards, has been one of WCIC’s key efforts to awaken many more to tread that path.
The Women’s Entrepreneur Awards 2024 is presented by the Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce in partnership with Platinum Partner AIA Sri Lanka, Diamond and Banking Partner DFCC Bank/DFCC Aloka, Collaborative Partner USAID, Gold Partners McLarens Group, Sunquick, Unilever Arunalu, Silver Partner Hayleys PLC, Bronze Partners Pidilite, Impra Teas, Dimo, Media Partner Wijeya Group, Electronic Media Partner ABC Network, Hospitality Partner Hilton Colombo, Airline Partner Sri Lankan, Knowledge Partner E&Y, Communication Partner Triad, and Event Partner Funtime.
The WCIC, Sri Lanka’s premier national chamber for supporting women entrepreneurs and professional businesswomen, continues its mission to empower women through initiatives like WCIC Prathibhabhisheka. This flagship program aims to recognise and celebrate women entrepreneurs who have shown exceptional resilience and made significant contributions to economic growth.
For further information, contact: 076-6848080.
