WCIC Prathibhabhisheka awards honour women entrepreneurs

The WCIC Prathibhabhisheka Women Entrepreneur (WE Awards) 2024, held on January 7, 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 trailblasing 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, U.S. 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 startups, showcasing the growing engagement of emerging businesses.

“As we honour the extraordinary strength and resilience of women entrepreneurs, we 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 said.

“Prathibhabhisheka, a Sanskrit term symbolizing the crowning of women, perfectly encapsulates the spirit of this event” co-chairs of the award ceremony, Tusita Kumarakulasingham and Nilani Senevirathna stated.

The women who were recognised 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, 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 recognize and celebrate women entrepreneurs who have shown exceptional resilience and made significant contributions to economic growth.

Source: Daily News