WiLAT Sri Lanka celebrates International Women’s Day 2026

On the evening of 17 March 2026, WiLAT Sri Lanka brought together a vibrant community of industry leaders, professionals, and aspiring young talent to celebrate International Women’s Day—creating more than just an event, but a shared experience of inspiration, reflection, and purpose. 

Centred around the theme ‘Empowering Every Route, Inspiring Every Journey’ and guided by the philosophy of ‘Give to Gain,’ the session unfolded as a powerful reminder of how far women in logistics and transport have come—and how much further they can go when knowledge, experiences, and opportunities are shared. 

The event was led by Project Chair Charitha Athukorala, whose dedication and leadership played a key role in making the evening a meaningful success, while WiLAT Sri Lanka Chairperson Rumal Fernando extended a warm welcome to the audience, setting the tone for this inspiring gathering. 

The highlight of the evening was an engaging panel discussion featuring a distinguished and diverse group of industry leaders: Maersk Sri Lanka and Maldives Managing Director Biju Ravi, Colombo West International Terminal Chief Commercial Officer Dhashma Karunaratne, Great Place to Work Sri Lanka CEO Kshanika Ratnayaka, and Aviation Strategy and Business Development Expert Devika Ellepola. 

As the conversation progressed, it moved beyond titles anfd roles, bringing forward authentic stories—stories of perseverance, challenges overcome, defining career moments, and the courage to navigate a traditionally male-dominated industry. Each voice on the panel added a unique perspective, yet together they formed a common narrative—one of resilience, growth, and purpose. Their journeys resonated deeply with the audience, especially with young female professionals and students, many of whom saw reflections of their own aspirations in these stories.

The room reflected a powerful blend of experience and ambition. From CILT Sri Lanka’s outgoing President Chandima Hulangamuwa, Secretary Givantha Ariyaratne, and the CILT Executive Committee, to WiLAT Sri Lanka’s Executive Committee, seasoned industry professionals, mentors and mentees of the Ignite program, and university students—the gathering created a space where conversations flowed freely, connections were built, and ideas were exchanged across generations. 

This year’s celebration also marked a meaningful milestone: 13 years of WiLAT Sri Lanka’s journey. Thirteen years of unwavering commitment to empowering women, building capabilities, and giving back to the industry—a journey shaped by passionate individuals, strong leadership, and a shared vision of creating lasting impact. 

The event was further strengthened by the support of valued partners and sponsors, including Unilever Sri Lanka, AMILA Transport and Logistics, Aitken Spence Logistics, Coco Green UK Lanka, Cleantech Ltd., and Fardar Express Logistics, along with the corporate partners of CILT Sri Lanka. Their collaboration reflects a shared commitment to drive inclusivity and progress within the logistics and transport sector. At its core, the evening embodied the true essence of “Give to Gain.” It reinforced that when individuals share their knowledge, experiences, and support, they create opportunities not just for themselves, but for others who follow. It is through this continuous cycle of giving that industries grow stronger, more inclusive, and future ready.

The gathering was brought to a close by Vice President of Brands and Sponsorship Prashani Liyanage, with one message which remained clear; “Empowerment is a journey, not a destination. And together, as a community, WILAT Sri Lanka continues to move forward with purpose—empowering every route and inspiring every journey”