Recognising women entrepreneurs across 25 districts in Sri Lanka

Women entrepreneurs play a critical role in contributing to Sri Lanka’s economy and in uplifting the livelihoods of women in their communities, particularly amidst the COVID-19 crisis. 

In commemorating women’s month, UN Women in Sri Lanka and the Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka joined the official celebrations organised by the State Ministry of Women and Child Development, Pre-Schools and Primary Education, School Infrastructure and Education Services; and the Women’s Bureau to recognise the efforts of women entrepreneurs and Women Development Officers from 25 districts in Sri Lanka.

As part of a larger strategy in accelerating progress towards gender equality and women’s empowerment in the country, UN Women in Sri Lanka in partnership with the Government of Japan and the State Ministry, works to establish an enabling environment for the formulation and implementation of policies in relation to women, peace and security, whilst ensuring women’s economic empowerment is at the heart of COVID-19 response and recovery through capacity building and training to sustain their businesses in times of crisis.

The event was attended by State Minister Piyal Nishantha de Silva, State Secretary K.M.S.D. Jayasekara, Additional Secretary (Development) N.H.M.W.W. Nilmini Herath from the State Ministry of Women and Child Development, Pre-school and Primary Education, School Infrastructure and Education Services, Women’s Bureau Director Champa Upasena, Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka Adviser Akira Hokamura, and UN Women in Sri Lanka Project Officers Pradeepa Kulasekera and Avanthi Kalansooriya.