What is your role in driving economic growth, creating jobs and empowering communities in Sri Lanka?

As the founder of Pom’s Island, I am committed to driving local economic growth by creating meaningful jobs and empowering communities. Our handmade wooden toys and upcycled products are crafted by local artisans, many from underprivileged backgrounds, providing them with fair wages, skills development and a sense of purpose. By reviving traditional crafts and promoting sustainability, we preserve local heritage while reducing waste.

Additionally, by sourcing materials locally and collaborating with other small businesses, we strengthen the national economy. Through workshops and community initiatives, we inspire creativity and foster entrepreneurship, contributing to long-term economic resilience. We believe in building a sustainable future while uplifting those around us.

Shamin Abideen
Founder
Pom’s Island

For us at Tathya Skincare, driving economic growth means creating products with a purpose – after all, Tathya means truth! Our journey is personal and rooted in our love for Sri Lanka’s natural richness and its resilient people. We source all our botanical powders and bee’s honey from local farmers around Sri Lanka, turning their hard work into skincare that empowers. Furthermore, our small but mighty team consists of hard working and determined women from around the local area. Our production process creates job opportunities for women, enabling financial independence and skills development.

As we grow, we want to hire more women from underprivileged families and truly embed the term ‘women empowerment’ into our practices. Empowering communities goes beyond providing jobs; it’s about creating a shared vision for sustainable growth rooted in quality, integrity and confidence, allowing everyone to live their truth.

Kisalka de Silva
Founder
Tathya Skincare

At Isla, we aim to redefine Sri Lanka’s design sector by championing local craftsmanship and sustainable practices. By working with skilled artisans who possess generational knowledge, we create opportunities for them to showcase their expertise on a larger platform. Our use of locally sourced materials – e.g. cane, rattan and timber – not only supports regional suppliers but also reduces dependence on imports and fosters self-sufficiency. Through fair trade practices, we ensure artisans receive equitable compensation, empowering them economically and socially.

Additionally, by preserving traditional crafts and integrating modern design, we create products that are globally competitive, driving demand for Sri Lankan made goods. As a woman led business, Isla stands as a testament to the transformative power of entrepreneurship in uplifting communities and inspiring others to break barriers in male dominated industries.

Shanya Fernando
Founder/CEO
Isla

As an entrepreneur, I channel my passion for creativity into building a business that empowers local artisans, providing them with opportunities to showcase their talents while creating sustainable livelihoods. By supporting local craftsmanship, I contribute to preserving Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage while driving economic growth.

My focus on fostering innovation and collaboration extends beyond my business, as I aim to inspire others to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations with confidence and determination. Entrepreneurship is not only about achieving personal success but also about empowering others, uplifting communities and creating a ripple effect of positive change – one that contributes to collective growth and a brighter future for all.

Alosha Herath
Founder
Rara Designs by Alosha

My role in driving local economic growth, creating jobs and empowering communities in Sri Lanka is rooted in fostering creativity and collaboration. Through Studio Kayamai, I bring diverse minds together to explore culture, heritage and societal issues, creating a space for expression and shared learning. By supporting upcoming working-class artists, we provide platforms for showcasing their talents, generating income and developing sustainable careers.

Our programmes and workshops equip individuals with transferrable skills, opening pathways to art related job opportunities and entrepreneurship. Community events and collaborations encourage knowledge exchange and strengthen social networks, fostering collective growth. By addressing topics like societal conditioning and economic development, we empower individuals to think critically and act purposefully, building a resilient and inclusive community that contributes holistically to Sri Lanka’s socioeconomic fabric.

Aadhitya Jayaseelan
Founder/CEO
Studio Kayamai

When discussing entrepreneurship, the focus often leans towards social enterprises or businesses; but intellectual entrepreneurship is equally critical in driving sustainable growth and prosperity. Intellectual entrepreneurs are those who challenge conventional thinking, identify knowledge gaps and generate innovative ideas that shape societies and economies.

Through my work at the Liberal Youth Movement, I’m committed to fostering intellectual entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka by empowering individuals to think critically, engage in meaningful debates and develop transformative ideas. Our mission is to create a generation of leaders who prioritise knowledge driven solutions and use intellectual capital as a tool for progress. By equipping youth with the skills to innovate and advocate for change, we aim to build a society where intellectual entrepreneurship thrives, ultimately driving economic growth and empowering communities.

Namini Panditha
Founder
Liberal Youth Movement

As a small business owner, I take pride in working with local artisans and suppliers, all of whom come from humble backgrounds. I’m grateful that I can empower women, provide them with steady incomes, uplift their small businesses and help build their confidence, so that they too can work and grow.

It’s not only the craftsmen I work with but also the resources I use. I make a conscious effort to source materials locally – because by supporting the local raw materials ecosystem, we also support the people who harvest, sell and distribute them. This creates a circular economy that benefits everyone involved, from suppliers to the community at large. By investing in this network, we’re not merely building a business; we’re also contributing to the growth and sustainability of the local economy.

Safiya Sideek
Founder
Elements by Safiya Sideek

As the pioneering brand celebrating the richness of naimiris (the scotch bonnet pepper) and catering to true spice enthusiasts, we have five distinctive and value added products, all centred on a single ingredient: naimiris. We Sri Lankans take pride in our love for spice, yet we lack a brand that truly represents our country on the map of hot sauces. Our goal is to fill this gap and become that brand.

We support smallholder farmers and use unique local ingredients to maintain authenticity. And we prioritise recruiting and supporting women, particularly mothers, as I have experienced the challenges of gender inequality myself. Our workplace and operational procedures are designed to be flexible and accommodating, enabling women to work in a manner that minimises stress while enabling them to contribute fully to their roles. Additionally, our manufacturing process is plastic-free.

Shivani Tyronne
Founder
Miris by Islandmom