Elevate’26 : Student Efforts to Promote an Entrepreneurial Culture in Sri Lanka

Elevate’26, an entrepreneurship event organized in commemoration of World Entrepreneurs’ Day, which falls on 21st August each year, was successfully conducted on 21st and 22nd August 2026 by the second-year students of the Department of Entrepreneurship, University of Sri Jayewardenepura within the university premises. The event was conducted as two main activities. On the first day, a School Project was organized with the participation of more than 100 school students, with the aim of fostering an entrepreneurial culture among the younger generation of Sri Lanka. On the second day, a Business Clinic was conducted free of charge to provide advice and guidance to businesses, particularly those facing challenges in surviving and growing in the business environment.

The Business Clinic provided support to more than 65 businesses across various sectors and areas, including funding, taxation, business registration, human resource management, EPF and ETF requirements, government support, marketing, accounting, and bookkeeping. The event served as a platform that brought together academics, industry experts, and business professionals to contribute towards creating and strengthening an entrepreneurial culture in Sri Lanka. The event was primarily conducted as part of the ENT 2373: Intelligence and Belief Management subject under the guidance of Prof. M.V.S.S. Udayanga and Ms. G.R.T. Perera. The initiative provided students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge in a practical setting while developing their self-belief, confidence, teamwork, leadership, and project management skills through the planning and implementation of the event.