Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce appoints Anoji De Silva as Chairperson for 2021/2022

The Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) conducted its 36th AGM virtually on 25 September, where Anoji De Silva took over the reins of WCIC. A total of 66 participants attended the virtual AGM. 

Anoji was a Board Member of WCIC from 2019-2021 and was also the capacity Building leader of WCIC. She is a Chartered Accountant by profession with over 30 years of experience and is a Partner at EY Sri Lanka and a Council Member of CA Sri Lanka.

Addressing the audience of founder members, past Chair and members in her maiden speech, Anoji said: “WCIC will continue to reinforce our vision to be the think-tank, voice and platform empowering women to be powerful nation builders, by participating in transforming the economic growth of the nation. We will focus on following areas through our strategic pillars during 2021/22: Active participation of WCIC in policy advocacy to ensure the voice of women entrepreneurs and business women are considered in policy development, assist women to aspire to take on leadership roles including contribution to the country target of 30% women on boards, increase WCIC participation in assisting women entrepreneurs and skill development of women in business and assist to create dignity of labour for women engaged in low skilled employment such as domestic aids and care givers.”

She further stated that WCIC would also focus on monitoring its contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and sub goals which will contribute to the economic development of women in business. 

She also announced that WCIC would hold its two flagship events, The Women Entrepreneur Awards and The Women Leadership Forum, during the year 2021/22 and unveiled some of the planned activities planned under each strategic pillar. She concluded her inaugural speech by asking the members to live by the WCIC tagline, Empower, Engage, Enrich by “empowering yourself, empowering and engaging other women and empowering, engaging and enriching the economy”.

Presenting her review of the year 2020/2021, outgoing Chairperson 

Indrani Fernando shared the many activities conducted by the chamber despite the restrictions that prevailed due to the pandemic and thanked the outgoing Board for their contribution.

WCIC also appointed 14 women business leaders with a diverse range of experience as board members to drive the strategy for 2020/21.

The Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce is the premier organisation supporting entrepreneurs and professional businesswomen. With a well-structured Board of Management and Pillar teams and leaders with dedicated responsibility the organisation focuses on achieving its detailed objectives with a clearly defined strategic plan, as well as a plan for action. 

The membership is open to women who believe they can contribute to society as well as benefit from the many facilities the organisation creates. For further information contact Janitha Stephens, 0766848080.