COYLE marks year of learning, leadership and global engagement

COYLE Chairman Manjula Wijesundara

Over the past year, the Chamber of Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE) continued its journey of translating ambition into action under the guiding theme “Vision to Reality.” Anchored in the belief that strong entrepreneurs build strong economies, COYLE’s activities throughout the year reflected a clear philosophy: learn, develop, and then expand globally. Through a series of learning platforms, strategic partnerships, diplomatic engagements, and international collaborations, the chamber strengthened its role as a catalyst for entrepreneurial growth in Sri Lanka.

The year began with a strong emphasis on learning and development, ensuring that COYLE members were equipped with the knowledge and skills required to navigate an increasingly complex global business environment. A series of programs and sessions were organised to address emerging challenges and opportunities facing entrepreneurs today.

Among these initiatives were specialised discussions on Artificial Intelligence and digital transformation, as well as a cybersecurity session designed to help business leaders understand the evolving digital risk landscape and how to safeguard their organisations. Complementing these efforts was a psychology and data session, which explored how behavioural insights and data-driven decision-making can enhance leadership, productivity, and organisational performance.

A major highlight of COYLE’s learning agenda was the Harvard Business School program, which provided members with exposure to global leadership thinking and strategic frameworks used by some of the world’s most successful enterprises. By bringing international expertise to Sri Lanka, COYLE reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing entrepreneurs who are capable of competing on a global stage.

Further strengthening this focus on inspiration and leadership was the I Am COYLE Leadership Forum, where entrepreneurs gathered to exchange ideas and insights on business, leadership, and innovation. The forum featured former Australian cricketer, coach, and entrepreneur Jason Gillespie as keynote speaker, whose reflections on resilience, teamwork, and performance resonated strongly with the entrepreneurial community.

COYLE also remained committed to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs. Through its Back-to-School initiatives at Lyceum International School and D.S. Senanayake College, members of the chamber engaged directly with students, sharing experiences from their own entrepreneurial journeys and inspiring young minds to think boldly about innovation, leadership, and enterprise.

With a strong foundation in learning and development, COYLE then turned its attention to expanding Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurial connections globally. Throughout the year, the chamber strengthened its engagement with the diplomatic community in Sri Lanka. Meetings with several high commissioners and ambassadors including representatives from India, Spain, Oman, South Africa, Singapore, New Zealand, Bahrain, and Italy, created valuable opportunities to explore trade, investment, and business partnerships.

These relationships were complemented by inbound delegations facilitated by COYLE, including visiting business groups from Taiwan, Switzerland, and Nepal. These interactions enabled Sri Lankan entrepreneurs to exchange ideas with international counterparts and identify new opportunities for collaboration and market access.

COYLE also played a constructive role in national policy dialogue. During the year, the chamber submitted a comprehensive set of proposals to the President of Sri Lanka and the Presidential Secretariat as part of the national budget consultation process. These recommendations aimed to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem, improve the ease of doing business, and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

Strategic partnerships further strengthened COYLE’s global engagement. During the year, the chamber signed Memorandums of Understanding with JETRO (Japan External Trade Organisation), AHK Sri Lanka representing German Industry and Commerce, and the Sri Lanka–New Zealand Business Chamber. These partnerships aim to expand international collaboration and open new pathways for Sri Lankan entrepreneurs seeking to enter global markets.

Another significant milestone was the launch of the COYLE World Mastercard, introduced in partnership with Sampath Bank and Mastercard, providing members with financial tools designed to support their growing business needs.

The chamber also launched and celebrated the Sri Lanka Corporate Health and Productivity Awards (SLCHPA) in collaboration with JETRO, an initiative that recognises organisations championing employee wellbeing and workplace productivity. This initiative reflects COYLE’s belief that strong businesses are built not only through innovation and growth, but through healthy and empowered workforces.

COYLE continued to foster collaboration within Sri Lanka’s broader entrepreneurial ecosystem through its engagement with the Alliance of Lankan Entrepreneurial Chambers (ALEC). This platform brings together entrepreneurial chambers across the country to promote knowledge sharing, advocacy, and international market access for Sri Lankan businesses.

Reflecting on the year, COYLE Chairman Manjula Wijesundara emphasised that the chamber’s achievements demonstrate the power of a united entrepreneurial community working towards a shared vision. By focusing first on learning and development, and then expanding its global engagement, COYLE has strengthened its role as a bridge between Sri Lankan enterprise and the international marketplace.

As COYLE moves forward, the relationships built, knowledge shared, and partnerships formed during this year of “Vision to Reality” will continue to guide the chamber’s journey—empowering entrepreneurs, expanding opportunities, and shaping a globally connected future for Sri Lankan business.