Bhathiya Barukanda
The Sri Lanka 2030 and Beyond Economic Summit and Entrepreneurial Awards, held on 5 March at Shangri-La Colombo, was a landmark event celebrating the resilience, innovation and ambition of Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurial community.
Organised by the Chamber of Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE), the event brought together industry leaders, policymakers and rising entrepreneurs to discuss the nation’s economic future and recognise outstanding business achievements.
At the heart of the summit was COYLE’s unwavering commitment to fostering a thriving business ecosystem. With a membership of over 100 leading entrepreneurs representing more than 500 companies, COYLE plays a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s economic landscape. Its members directly employ over 500,000 individuals and indirectly support 2.5 million livelihoods, reinforcing the profound impact of entrepreneurship on national development.
The summit featured a high-profile panel discussion with distinguished industry figures, including: Celeste Co-Founder Janik Jayasuriya, Thilakawardhene Textiles Director Ravindu Thilakawardhene, Lyceum International Schools Director Nikitha Grero, Entrepreneur Vivek Jayasuriya, hSenid Group Chairman Dinesh Saparamadu, Laugfs Holdings Chairman H. K. Wegapitiya, Vision Care Managing Director Dasantha Fonseka and CBL Foods Executive Director Rasith Wickramasinghe.
These industry experts shared insights on navigating challenges, seizing emerging opportunities and the role of innovation in driving long-term success. The discussions highlighted the importance of digital transformation, investment in education and ethical business practices – core values that align seamlessly with COYLE’s mission.
The event also recognised outstanding businesses through the Young Lankan Entrepreneurs Awards, celebrating those who have demonstrated exceptional growth, innovation and leadership: Extra Large Category – Gold Award: Three Sinha Industries Ltd.; Large Category – Gold Award: Sensa Solutions Lanka Ltd., Medium Category – Gold Award: Neil Fernando & Co. Ltd.; Small Category – Gold Award: Abhi Skin Clinic; and Start-up Category – Gold Award: AGC Innovative Ltd.
These awards underscore COYLE’s dedication to empowering businesses and fostering an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive. Through initiatives such as the Alliance of Lankan Entrepreneurial Chambers (ALEC) and the Entrepreneur Development Centre, COYLE continues to drive policy advocacy, leadership training and innovation in Sri Lanka’s business community.
As Sri Lanka looks towards 2030 and beyond, COYLE remains steadfast in its mission to uplift entrepreneurs, create sustainable economic growth, and build a globally competitive business landscape.
source; ft.lk
