The American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka (AmCham SL) recently hosted a lively and inspiring event to mark International Women’s Day 2025, creating a space for women professionals, entrepreneurs, and business leaders to come together for an evening of empowerment and celebration. The gathering, held on March 4, 2025, at Gatz, Cinnamon Life in Colombo, offered attendees a chance to step away from their busy schedules and enjoy a night of elegance and self-reflection.
Guests were treated to an atmosphere of camaraderie, engaging discussions, and entertainment, all while contributing to a worthy cause. Through this initiative, AmCham SL successfully raised funds to support the empowerment of 100 female entrepreneurs, highlighting the organization’s dedication to advancing women’s leadership and driving economic growth.
Neelika Tillekeratne, Secretary General of AmCham Sri Lanka, said “At AmCham Sri Lanka, we believe that empowered women empower economies. This International Women’s Day, we not only celebrated the strength and resilience of our members and partners but also took meaningful action by supporting disadvantaged female entrepreneurs. Through the planned one-day workshops, these female entrepreneurs from Anuradhapura and Moneragala, will gain essential skills in entrepreneurship, financial management, market access, and life skills—empowering them to sustain and grow their businesses effectively. We are proud to collaborate with Dr. Sulochana Segera and Women in Management, who will organize and conduct these workshops. With the resources and partnerships at AmCham SL, it is truly inspiring to see the collective commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable business environment.”
Sulochana Segera, Founder and Chairperson Women in Management, stated: “In celebration of International Women’s Day, AMCHAM SL, in partnership with Women in Management, is empowering women entrepreneurs in Anuradhapura and Monaragala. With AMCHAM’s support, Women in Management is creating opportunities for women in rural communities while helping them build sustainable businesses that strengthen the local economy. True empowerment begins when women are equipped with the right tools, knowledge, and support to transform their potential into progress — and together, we are making that a reality.”
Sanath Manatunge, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer from Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC. said, “Commercial Bank remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering women empowerment through both financial and non – financial interventions. In addition to our comprehensive ‘Anagi” Women`s Banking portfolio tailored for women, the Bank has facilitated the advancement of over 3000 female entrepreneurs through capacity- building initiatives in 2024 alone. We are pleased to collaborate with AmCham on this initiative, extending our efforts to uplift more women entrepreneurs, particularly in outstation regions.”
Nirosha Jagodaarachchi, CEO, British Cosmetics also expressed, “It was great to be with AMCHAM and witness the powerful connections being made. To me, International Women’s Day isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s a celebration of the strength, resilience, and impact women bring to our world every day. At British Cosmetics being a women lead organization, we’re not just selling products; we’re investing in the confidence that empowers that strength within the company and outside”.
AmCham SL said it remains committed to creating opportunities that uplift and empower women in business, ensuring that the path to success is covered with collaboration, encouragement, and recognition.
