Monday Jan 19, 2026
Monday Jan 19, 2026
Monday, 19 January 2026 03:56 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The award winners with Chief Guest, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya
The Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) Prathibhabhisheka Women Entrepreneur Awards (WEA) 2025, held last week, celebrated forerunners that contribute as women-owned/women-led businesses in Sri Lanka.
The WCIC Prathibhabhisheka Women Entrepreneur Awards is a flagship event organised annually by the WCIC as the national chamber for women in business to honour women entrepreneurs for their tenacity and vigour to drive businesses that contribute to the Sri Lanka economy. The awards were open to women entrepreneurs across Sri Lanka and also the SAARC region, with a focus on strategic business growth, finance, and governance.
The event was graced by distinguished guests, including Chief Guest Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, alongside valued partners, members of the WCIC, other well-wishers, award winners, and their families.
Chief Guest Dr. Amarasuriya said: “It is inspiring to witness the achievements of the women entrepreneurs who travel a path of obstacles always in trying to achieve their ambition. With the capabilities women inherently possess, they do win amidst challenging situations. The WCIC is providing a great service for these enterprising women to scale and grow. It is a pleasure to be among such an audience and I wish the winners greater strength to contribute even more.”
The event as always took into consideration the performance of the applicants in the financial year applicable for the edition, 2024/25, where they share ‘My Story’ and certified information to establish their ‘Finance and Governance’ procedures.
The event highlighted the diversity and impact of women entrepreneurs across Sri Lanka and the SAARC region. With a record number of applications received, 31% of the businesses have been in operation for over a decade, 44% were under the age of 40 years, and a majority were first time applicants from diverse businesses. The applications were received from across the country, representing every province.
Through an extensive judging process with 12 judges evaluating every single applicant through the numerous panels, the final winners were showcased at the event. During the preliminary judging, five applicants from each of the revenue categories – Startup, Micro, Small, Medium, and Large – were selected for the final interview. Whilst the best of each sector wins the awards, the other two nominees will receive recognition.
The SAARC region too was well represented, and the top three businesses were featured at the event. The national/special awards were the highlight of the evening.
WCIC Chairperson Gayani de Alwis said: “WCIC Prathibhabhisheka, now in its fourth year since its relaunch, has gained strong momentum and credibility, firmly establishing itself as the national platform recognising women entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka, with an outreach that extends even to the SAARC region. This year’s event holds special significance as the WCIC celebrates its trailblazing 40th anniversary in 2025.”
“The 2025 awards received the highest number of applications to date, reflecting an impressive level of quality and diversity across business ventures. Many of these women are unsung heroes who have overcome significant challenges to build resilient and competitive enterprises. Despite facing immense economic pressures, their perseverance and determination are truly commendable. Being a woman entrepreneur demands exceptional rigour and discipline, as they continually balance multiple roles alongside the complex demands of running a business,” she added.
“The WCIC celebrates their extraordinary strength and resilience and recognises their growing contribution to the Sri Lankan economy. Their businesses demonstrate professionalism, adaptability, innovation, and a strong commitment to sustainability. Their mindset and approach reflect a deep-rooted passion and an unwavering drive for success.”
Awards Co-Chairs Nilani Seneviratne and Tusitha Kumarakulasingam said: “The WCIC Prathibhabhisheka WEA is a truly distinctive initiative, with a format that sets it apart in every aspect. Conceived four years ago, the program was designed to recognise and reward outstanding women entrepreneurs for their achievements, integrity, and long-term commitment to enterprise. From its inception, the WCIC has crafted a process that is transparent, ethical, and robust, with 100% endorsement by Ernst & Young (EY), the internationally reputed audit firm.”
The awards follow a rigorous nine-month process, ensuring standards that are unmatched. Strict confidentiality is maintained throughout, with final results revealed only on the awards night. Applications comprise two key components: My Story and Finance and Governance. Each eligible submission is independently evaluated by multiple panels of judges. Shortlisted candidates then participate in interviews conducted by a separate panel.
An equally stringent process is followed for SAARC applicants, with evaluation carried out by judges from non-SAARC countries. Final award recipients are determined solely on the cumulative marks awarded through this process.
WCIC Prathibhabhisheka celebrates ventures that dare to challenge convention, demonstrating resilience and courage in overcoming obstacles along their entrepreneurial journeys.
“Those honoured receive far more than an award; they gain a gateway to future opportunities. We have proudly witnessed how past winners have leveraged this recognition to amplify their success and scale new heights.”
The Prathibhabhisheka Women’s Entrepreneur Awards 2025 was presented by the WCIC in partnership with Platinum Partner AIA Sri Lanka, Diamond and Official Banking Partner DFCC Aloka, Gold Partners McLarens Group, Unilever Arunalu, Silver Partners Hayleys PLC, Maliban, Bronze Partners Impra Teas, Macbertan, Media Partner Wijeya Newspapers Ltd., Hospitality Partner Hilton Colombo, Knowledge Partner E&Y, Communication Partner Triad, and Event Partner Funtime.
Pix by Shehan Gunasekera
