Sri Lanka Export Development Board powers ‘Woman Exporter of the Year’

To recognise the exceptional performance of women in the business of exports, the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB) has come forward as the principal sponsor for ‘Woman Exporter of the Year’ award, to be given out at one of the most coveted ceremonies where successful women entrepreneurs are lauded and good effort, commended.

The event is the Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC)’s biennial gala Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, Sri Lanka’s premier national awards program that celebrates the achievements of outstanding businesswomen. The ceremony will take place on 5 August this year with President Maithripala Sirisena as Chief Guest. 

“Through these awards WCIC has been recognising the contribution of women entrepreneurs and this is the first time that women exporters will have a chance to be recognised for their stellar performance in the space,” explained WCIC Chairperson Rifa Musthapha. 

SLEDB Chairperson Indira Malwatte said that this is a landmark award. “Contribution of exporters to our national economy is vital and the timing is perfect to recognise and reward women exporters who circumvent innumerable challenges, vagaries of global markets and a host of uncertainties, to pursue their export initiatives.”

The award for the most outstanding woman exporter is a first in the portfolio of WCIC’s awards. Commenting on the awards, Musthapha went on to note: “The collective impact of our country’s women entrepreneurs can never be overstated. This celebration of achievement pays tribute to exceptional entrepreneurs who have achieved recognisable success by building and leading an entrepreneurial venture that has made a significant impact on the economy and the community. Now it’s time we categorised the awards and as a first step are delighted that the EDB has come forward to salute and support a woman exporter from our midst.” 

Applications are available at the WCIC secretariat and could be downloaded from their website www.wcicsl.lk. Closing date for applications is 20 June. An esteemed and independent panel of judges will evaluate the applications.