COYLE felicitates members who received awards at Sri Lankan Entrepreneur of the Year 2016

The Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE), during its Monthly Meeting which was held at The Victorian in The Kingsbury Hotel, honoured members who received awards at the Sri Lankan Entrepreneur of the Year 2016 award ceremony. 

It was a proud moment for COYLE when Shehan Seneviratne won the Sri Lankan Entrepreneur of the Year 2016 award.

This prestigious award, presented by the Federation of Chambers of Commerce Sri Lanka (FCCISL), recognises business entrepreneurs who have devoted their time and energy to strengthening and transforming the organisations they lead. 

The COYLE members who were felicitated were SMS Holdings Ltd Chairman/Managing Director Shehan Seneviratne - Provincial Gold Award  - Extra Large Category, Western Province and Sri Lankan Entrepreneur of the Year  - National Platinum Award; Three Sinha Industries Ltd. Managing Director Manjula Ariyakumara - Provincial Silver Award – Large Category Western Province and National Silver Award – Large  Category; Photo Technica Ltd. Managing Director Harsha Malvenna -  Provincial Gold Award – Medium Category, Western Province and National Silver Award - Medium Category.

Seneviratne stated that he started off with an initial capital of Rs. 150,000 and three employees, faced many challenges during the war and advised the members to never give up despite difficult situations. He also encouraged the members to apply for the FCCISL awards. 

Manjula Ariyakumara said that he commenced his business with just one employee and presently employs a staff of 500 in his organisation. He stated that he received this award four years after joining COYLE.

Harsha Malvenna stated that he had received previous awards over the years and the experience gained had fine-tuned his business to meet the requirements of FCCISL in order to reach his present status. He also said that he was extremely pleased to receive this award while competing with many multinational listed companies.

The three winners also thanked Chairman Kasun Rajapaksa for his support and encouragement during his tenure in office.

At the meeting, COYLE Chairman Rajapaksa stated: “The success stories represented by our award winners demonstrate the importance of striving continually to succeed amidst changing business climates. That is why events like this honour those who have excelled, and as a business chamber, COYLE strives to play a pivotal role in encouraging all its members to rise to the occasion and shine.” 

He also thanked COYLE member Ruwan Edirisinghe, who was instrumental in assisting its members to apply for these awards and inspiring confidence in all the other members to apply for this prestigious award, adding that there were many potential COYLE candidates who could win at future FCCISL award ceremonies.