Wednesday Jan 21, 2026
Wednesday Jan 21, 2026
Wednesday, 21 January 2026 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya presenting the SAARC Woman Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 award to Worldlink Shipping Colombo Founder and Managing Director Vera Wickramasinghe, who was also recognised as Woman Entrepreneur of the Year 2025, in the presence of DFCC Bank Director and Chief Executive Officer Thimal Perera, Deputy Chief Executive Officer Shamindra Marcelline, and officials of the Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce
DFCC Bank, through its women-focused proposition DFCC Aloka, continued its long-standing support for women-led entrepreneurship by partnering with the Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) as Diamond Sponsor and Official Banking Partner of the Prathibhabhisheka – Women Entrepreneur Awards 2025, held at the Hilton Colombo.
This marks the fourth consecutive year that DFCC Aloka has supported the Prathibhabhisheka Awards, a flagship platform that recognises women entrepreneurs whose businesses are contributing to innovation, employment, and inclusive economic growth across Sri Lanka and the wider SAARC region.
Organised by WCIC, the awards honour women-led enterprises that demonstrate resilience, leadership, and measurable business impact. By highlighting these achievements, the initiative plays an important role in encouraging more women to enter entrepreneurship and in strengthening the country’s broader enterprise ecosystem.
As Official Banking Partner, DFCC Bank reinforced its commitment to women’s economic participation through DFCC Aloka, a dedicated banking proposition designed around the realities of women entrepreneurs. DFCC Aloka combines tailored financial solutions with accessibility, advisory support, and long-term partnership, enabling women-led businesses to start, sustain, and scale with confidence.
DFCC Bank Director and Chief Executive Officer Thimal Perera said, “DFCC Aloka was created with a clear purpose – to remove barriers and create practical pathways for women entrepreneurs to grow sustainable businesses. Our continued partnership with WCIC and the Prathibhabhisheka Awards reflects our commitment to supporting women whose enterprises contribute meaningfully to economic progress through leadership, innovation, and resilience.”
Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce Chairperson Gayani De Alwis said, “The Prathibhabhisheka Awards recognise women who build impactful businesses while navigating structural and social challenges. Our partnership with DFCC Aloka strengthens this platform by ensuring that recognition is matched with access to financial solutions that reflect the ambitions and realities of women entrepreneurs.”
Through DFCC Aloka, DFCC Bank continues to extend targeted financial support and value-added services to women-led enterprises, reinforcing its role in building an enabling environment for inclusive growth. The partnership with WCIC reflects a shared focus on strengthening women’s participation in enterprise by combining recognition with sustained financial access and support.
The Prathibhabhisheka – Women Entrepreneur Awards 2025 once again underscored the vital role women entrepreneurs play in shaping Sri Lanka’s economic future, while reaffirming DFCC Aloka’s position as a committed banking partner dedicated to advancing women’s entrepreneurship through practical, inclusive financial solutions.
