Tuesday Nov 10, 2026
Tuesday Nov 10, 2026
Tuesday, 10 November 2026 00:30 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) successfully concluded IGNITE 2026, its flagship youth entrepreneurship initiative, bringing together 100 female university undergraduates from 17 universities across Sri Lanka for a transformative day of learning, inspiration and practical business exposure at The Kingsbury, Colombo on the 31 October 2026.
Now in its second year, IGNITE has rapidly established itself as a premier platform for nurturing the next generation of women entrepreneurs. The program was designed to equip young women with the confidence, skills and entrepreneurial mind set required to transform innovative ideas into successful ventures.
Participants engaged in a dynamic program featuring interactive workshops, business idea development sessions, entrepreneur-led discussions and networking opportunities. The event provided valuable exposure to entrepreneurship, financial literacy, leadership and innovation through real-world experiences shared by successful business leaders and founders.
Speech-Language Pathologist and Founder/CEO of Ceylon Speechie Nadini Perera, conducted an engaging and interactive workshop titled “Build a Business That Fits Your Life and Can Reach the World”.
A highlight of the event was the inspiring stories shared by young Sri Lankan entrepreneurs, Spice Carriage (Lactoboost) Founder Lasni Silva, Blue Fish Ceylon Ltd., Founder/Director Bhagya Sandakelum, and Sleepyheads SL Founder Shehara Ferdinandis, who candidly discussed their journeys, challenges and successes, demonstrating that ambition, resilience and innovation can turn ideas into thriving enterprises.
WCIC Board Member Zahara Ansary conducted an interactive session, guiding students in developing and refining their business ideas.
The program’s Guest of Honour, Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe, addressed the gathering, encouraging young women to pursue entrepreneurship as a pathway to economic empowerment and national development. Certificates of participation were awarded to all attendees in recognition of their successful completion of the program.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, WCIC reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a stronger pipeline of women-led businesses by investing in young talent and creating opportunities for future female leaders to connect, learn and grow.
“Through IGNITE 2026, WCIC continues to inspire and empower young women to dream bigger, innovate boldly and become the business leaders and job creators of tomorrow.”
The program was made possible with the support of Macbertan Ltd., as Main Event Partner, alongside Magellan Champlain and Nanaska Ltd., as Co-Event Partners.
Nadini Perera
Deputy Minister handing over WCIC Certificates
From left: Shehara Ferdinandis, Lasni Silva and Bhagya Sandakelum
