Sampath Bank, NEDA, and Department of Entrepreneurship Launch Initiative to Empower 200 Women-Led Startups
Colombo, May 20, 2025 — In a collaborative effort to foster entrepreneurial growth and economic inclusion, Sampath Bank PLC, the National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA), and the Department of Entrepreneurship of the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, officially launched a landmark initiative to uplift 200 women-led startups across Sri Lanka.
The inauguration ceremony and memorandum of understanding (MoU) exchange took place on the 20th of May 2025 at the Sampath Tharu Auditorium. The event brought together key stakeholders from academia, industry, and government to formalize their shared commitment to developing female entrepreneurship at the grassroots level.
The program commenced with an address by Dr. Lalith Weragoda, Chief Human Resource Officer at Sampath Bank PLC, who outlined the vision and objectives of the initiative. He emphasized the importance of inclusive development and the role of financial institutions in supporting underrepresented entrepreneurial groups, particularly women.
The role of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura was presented by Prof. Rukmal Weerasinghe and Mr. Dhanuka Perera from the Department of Entrepreneurship. They elaborated on the department’s commitment to national development through student engagement and capacity-building. As part of the initiative, ten student volunteers from the department have pledged their support to serve as regional agents, providing guidance and hands-on support to the women entrepreneurs throughout the course of the project.
Mr. Dhanuka Liyanagamage, Director of NEDA, highlighted the Authority’s strategic approach to empowering entrepreneurs through partnerships, mentorship, and policy support. He praised the collaboration as a model for sustainable development and public-private-academic synergy.
A key moment of the event was the formal exchange of the MoU between Sampath Bank and NEDA, symbolizing the official commencement of the initiative. The event concluded with a networking session over refreshments, providing an opportunity for dialogue and collaboration among the attendees.
This initiative marks a significant milestone in nurturing entrepreneurial talent and economic participation among women in Sri Lanka. The Department of Entrepreneurship is proud to contribute to this national mission and looks forward to supporting its successful implementation through the active involvement of its students.
