Four daring entrepreneurs to share their journeys to the top

Tuesday, 16 September 2014 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The ‘Dare to be Different’ Entrepreneurial Forum organised by the Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE) will feature four outstanding personalities who have challenged all odds to reach to commendable heights in their professional careers. Orange Electric Company Managing Director Kushan Kodituwakku started off by taking over the company after the demise of his father. Aged 22, he was placed at the helm of the company and was put in the deep end to either sink or swim. Kushan worked hard to overcome hurdles along the way and today, Orange Electricals is a household name in Sri Lanka. hSenid Software International CEO Dinesh Saparamadu has over 25 years of experience in IT and related technology industries. Dinesh is a serial entrepreneur having founded more than six companies over the last two decades. His story is inspiring and encouraging with lots of lessons to be learnt along the way. NMK Holdings Ltd Chairman Manjula Narayana started his business as a young entrepreneur, developing and diversifying his business by introducing innovative coconut-based products. Manjula’s story is based on hardwork, dedication and sheer perseverance as he made his way through tangled webs and red tape to become the nation’s biggest manufacturer of coconut-based products. RN Group of Companies Ltd Chairman/Managing Director Ruwan Edirisinghe started off his journey faced with unbelievable hardships. He struggled to overcome challenges faced throughout his childhood, schooldays and worked at menial jobs during his university days to earn money to buy even the most basic amenities. Sharing their stories of struggle and hardship, these four enterprising entrepreneurs will share their journeys at the COYLE Sampath Bank Entrepreneurial Forum to be held on 1 October at the Balmoral Hall, Kingsbury Hotel. The keynote speaker at this forum is respected entrepreneur Merrill J. Fernando, who has gained international and local acclaim for his outstanding work in taking his homegrown brand of Ceylon tea, Dilmah to the world. Fernando will share his story of success as a prelude to this significant event. The main objective of the Dare to be Different forum is to highlight and share success stories, encourage through possibilities and empower through opportunities. As an advocate of local entrepreneurship, Sampath Bank has signed up as the main sponsor for this forum, which is set to be an annual affair on the COYLE events calendar. COYLE has been continuously focusing on promoting entrepreneurial development and been actively involved in dialog, discussions and representations to create a business-friendly environment in the country. Members of COYLE often get involved in stimulating positive feedback and exchanging information in formulating policies and regulations relevant to private sector development. For forum details, visit www.coyle.lk or contact Indunil on 0778047172 or Saumya on 011 7538615.