FCCISL strives for development of national skills for youth and women entrepreneurs

Wednesday, 29 March 2017 00:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Participants with Colombo Plan Secretary General Kinley Dorji, Colombo Plan Senior Program Officer Dr. Thomas Scaria, FCCISL Secretary General Ajith D. Perera, CEFEF NET Sri Lanka President Gamini Herath, FCCISL staff and officials of Puttalam District Chamber

Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) in collaboration with Colombo Plan and Puttalam District Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agribusiness (PDCCIA) organised a four-day workshop on ‘National Skills Training for Youth and Women Promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises’. This workshop was held from 8 to 11 February at Far Inn Beach Hotel, Chilaw. A total of 34 youth and women participated at the workshop.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, FCCISL President Sarath Kahapalarachchi emphasised that promoting youth entrepreneurship will be a solution for youth unemployment which leads to three armed insurrections in Sri Lanka. Further he pointed out that entrepreneurship is one of the key factors that drive economic growth in any country.

The training program was conducted by CEFEF NET Sri Lanka President Gamini Herath. The training focus was on identifying business opportunities, marketing, financial management, preparing business plans, etc. At the end of the training program each participant prepared viable business plans. The trainer pointed out various sources from which aspiring entrepreneurs can obtain capital.

The closing ceremony was held on 11 February with the participation of Colombo Plan Secretary General Kinley Dorji, Colombo Plan Senior Program Officer Dr. Thomas Scaria, FCCISL Secretary General Ajith D. Perera, and officials of Puttalam District Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agribusiness. Speaking at the closing ceremony, Kinley Dorji reiterated the commitment of Colombo Plan for youth empowerment. He added, “Entrepreneurship not only creates wealth but also creates jobs and promotes innovations which will pave the way for prosperous society.” Further, he mentioned that Colombo Plan would like to organise international youth training program in Colombo with FCCISL during this year. Addressing the gathering Ajith Perera explained the various initiatives of FCCISL to promote entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka. He mentioned about the entrepreneur of the year award ceremony organised by FCCISL annually which is the only award ceremony in Sri Lanka that recognised the achievements of Sri Lankan entrepreneurs nationally as well as regional level with special categories for youth entrepreneurs and differently abled entrepreneurs.