'Women's Wing' to uplift women entrepreneurs

Shanaaz Carina

The National Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka (NCCSL) inaugurated the 'Women's Wing' project to recognise the hidden talents of women and assist them in business enterprises.

"We are the only Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka to inaugurate a women's project named 'Women's Wing'.

"The main objective of this project is to recognise the hidden talents of women and assist them in their business enterprises," President, NCCSL, D. Eassuwaren said. "We want to help all women in Sri Lanka to be a part of the economy as remarkable entrepreneurs.

We have received Rs 200 million from the Netherlands Government to be distributed among all small entrepreneurs. About 80 women entrepreneurs have received this business promotion fund," Eassuwaren added.

He said the Chamber has planned to support the 'Women's Wing' with big business people in the Chamber so that all entrepreneurs get the proper guidance not only as entrepreneurs but also as professionals.

"The future plans of the Women's Wing is to organise training programmes and workshops.

Delegations will be sent overseas to assist them in their enterprises," said President of Women's Wing, Renuka Jayamanne.

Lesley Wickramasinghe was elected Secretary while Thushari Hewapathirana was elected the Treasurer.

NCCSL was founded in 1948 soon after Sri Lanka gained independence from British colonial rule, primarily to establish a forum for the Sri Lankan business community.

The foremost objective of the Chamber at that time was the Ceylonisation of trade, as the policy climate was not quite conducive to national interests.