Ceylon Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs launches FAME Project in Kandy with CPWCIC

Women entrepreneur beneficiaries of the FAME Project in the Central Province

CCWE President and Project Chairperson Ayanthi Gurusinghe (fifth from left) and HNB Kandy Branch Senior Manager Dhanushka Rajapaksha hand over the cheque to CPWCIC President Kanthi Madagammana. CCWE Chairperson Shirley Jayawardena, Central Province Governor Prof. Sarath Abayakoon, French Ambassador Rémi Lambert, CCWE Finance Director Rajeewa Senaratne, and the CPWCIC Project Coordinator are also present

In a groundbreaking step towards advancing women’s entrepreneurship and strengthening international collaboration, the Ceylon Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs (CCWE), in partnership with the Central Province Women’s Chamber of Small Industries and Commerce (CPWCIC), officially launched the FAME Project in Sri Lanka’s Central Province on 23 May, at the Royal Kandyan Hotel, Peradeniya, Kandy.

This landmark initiative brought together a host of distinguished guests, community leaders, and development partners committed to empowering women and promoting inclusive economic growth.

The occasion was graced by French Ambassador to Sri Lanka Rémi Lambert, who provided a visionary address that underscored France’s continued commitment to sustainable development across South Asia. He highlighted the vital role that international cooperation plays in promoting gender equality and expressed his admiration for the efforts of the CCWE and CPWCIC in driving positive social change. He also emphasised that projects like FAME exemplify the power of collective action in uplifting communities and enhancing resilience, especially among women entrepreneurs.

Central Province Governor Professor Sarath B.S. Abayakoon attended the event as Chief Guest and shared his enthusiastic support for the FAME Project. In his address, he acknowledged the critical role of women entrepreneurs in shaping the region’s socio-economic future and welcomed initiatives that provide them with the tools, resources, and networks needed to succeed. He also extended his gratitude to the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and CCWE for their ongoing commitment to empowering women in the Central Province through meaningful and sustainable partnerships.

CCWE Co-Founder and Chairperson Shirley Jayawardena reflected on the Chamber’s journey of collaboration with international partners such as the AFD, South Asian Women Development Forum (SAWDF), and Geres. She highlighted how these alliances have contributed to innovative, sustainability-focused programs that benefit women-led enterprises and communities at the grassroots level. On behalf of the Chamber, she expressed deep appreciation to the AFD for their steadfast support in championing women’s economic participation in Sri Lanka.

Hatton National Bank (HNB) Kandy Branch Senior Manager Dhanushka Rajapaksha reaffirmed the bank’s support for women entrepreneurs and community development. He stated that HNB will continue its collaboration with the CPWCIC to promote financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, and local empowerment.

A momentous highlight of the ceremony was the symbolic handover of a Rs. 10 million cheque by CCWE Co-Founder and President Ayanthi Gurusinghe to the CPWCIC. This significant financial contribution, facilitated through the AFD and disbursed via HNB, the project’s official banking partner, marks a major milestone in the ongoing efforts to fund and elevate women-led initiatives. The support aims to strengthen capacity-building, improve access to resources, and promote long-term economic empowerment for small-scale women entrepreneurs in the Central Province.

The FAME Project, launched through this impactful partnership between the CCWE, CPWCIC, and their international allies, represents a bold and inclusive vision for the future. It serves as a testament to the power of collaboration in addressing gender disparities, fostering innovation, and building resilient communities through women’s leadership and entrepreneurship.