WISTA Sri Lanka celebrates Women’s Day with “Waves of impact ”

WISTA Sri Lanka successfully hosted its International Women’s Day 2026 celebration, “Waves of Impact,” on 23 April 2026 at NH Collection Colombo, bringing together professionals from across the maritime, shipping, logistics, and international trade sectors for an evening dedicated to inspiration, knowledge sharing, and meaningful industry connections.

Held under the theme “Give to Gain,” the event reflected WISTA Sri Lanka’s belief that collective growth is achieved when individuals and organisations invest in others through mentorship, support, and the sharing of knowledge and experiences. The evening served as a reminder that by giving our time, guidance, and encouragement, we create waves of impact that extend far beyond ourselves and resonate throughout the industry.

Established in 2014 under WISTA International, WISTA Sri Lanka has consistently championed inclusion, mentorship, and collaboration, encouraging more women to step forward, lead, and shape the future of the maritime industry. As a professional association dedicated to empowering women in maritime, shipping, logistics, and international trade, WISTA Sri Lanka continues to create opportunities that foster leadership, professional growth, and stronger industry networks.

The event commenced with an inspiring keynote address by Vera Wickremasinghe, a distinguished entrepreneur and business leader with extensive experience in logistics, hospitality, and international trade. Drawing on her own professional journey, she shared valuable insights on leadership, resilience, the importance of strong support systems, and the role of networking and knowledge sharing in achieving both personal and professional success. Her reflections set the tone for an evening centred on empowerment, ambition, and creating meaningful impact.

Building on these themes, the panel discussion brought together two remarkable women whose entrepreneurial journeys have left a lasting mark on their respective industries. Blue Fish Ceylon Ltd. Founder and Director Bhagya Sandakelum shared her experience of transforming a home-based venture into Sri Lanka’s first ready-to-eat premium canned fish brand. Her candid reflections on embracing challenges, learning from setbacks, and continuously evolving as a professional resonated strongly with the audience. Her story highlighted the importance of perseverance, innovation, and the willingness to grow through experience.

Joining her on the panel was Penguin Shipping Enterprises Ltd. Founder and Managing Director Devika Wijesuriya, whose journey of entrepreneurship and reinvention inspired many in attendance. Having started her career in the food supply sector before successfully transitioning into the maritime industry, Wijesuriya shared insights into overcoming adversity, adapting to change, and building a successful business through determination and self-belief. Her story served as a powerful example of resilience and the value of remaining bold in the face of challenges.

The discussion was expertly moderated by Ayesha Abeyratne, whose thoughtful facilitation guided a rich and engaging conversation. Drawing from her own professional experience in sustainability and enterprise risk management, Ayesha encouraged meaningful dialogue around leadership, entrepreneurship, personal growth, and the evolving role of women within the maritime and logistics sectors. The session provided attendees with practical insights while fostering open conversations about the opportunities and challenges facing women in the industry today.

The evening concluded with a networking high tea, creating a welcoming environment for attendees to exchange ideas, build new professional relationships, and strengthen connections across the maritime and logistics community. WISTA Sri Lanka extends its sincere appreciation to its corporate partner South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT) for its continued support in making the event possible. The association also gratefully acknowledges its gift partners Nestlé Lanka PLC, Advantis Express, Hemas Consumer Brands, and Regency Teas for their generous contributions.

“Waves of Impact” was a celebration of leadership, resilience, and the power of giving back. Through events such as these, WISTA Sri Lanka continues to reinforce its commitment to empowering women, strengthening industry collaboration, and creating lasting impact within Sri Lanka’s maritime sector and beyond.