Sri Lanka’s ‘Women Entrepreneur of the Year’ awards will be held on August 5 under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena to recognize the significant impact made by female business owners, organizers said.

“The collective impact of our country’s women entrepreneurs can never be overstated,” Chairperson of Sri Lanka’s Women’s Chamber of Industry & Commerce (WCIC) Rifa Musthapha said.

“This celebration of achievement pays tribute to exceptional entrepreneurs who have achieved recognizable success by building and leading an entrepreneurial venture that has made a significant impact on the economy and the community.”

“This visionary woman entrepreneur is an inspirational leader and role model for women in business.”

The awards are being held for the ninth year, and will recognize high achievers in the micro, small, medium and large categories.

This year, ‘Woman Exporter of the Year’, ‘Most Promising Young Entrepreneur’and ‘Best Female Start-Up Enterprise’ will also be recognized with new awards.

“The past nine years reflects a turning point for women entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka,” said Illanga Karunaratne, WCIC’s chairperson of the awards committee.

“The awards have continuously highlighted successful and replicable role models, and created a positive impact on other women aspirants.”

“We believe that, in pioneering these awards, we have created role models among women who have further excelled in business, social and community initiatives.”

Applications will close on June 20 and are available online at the chamber’s homepage. – economynext