By unusuma.lk on (LK time)
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasised that although women play a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s financial and societal progress, existing hurdles still hinder their full involvement in the economy.
“Our administration is dedicated to removing these obstacles by promoting an inclusive financial landscape where women can excel as corporate leaders, innovators, and global traders,” she stated.
The Prime Minister made these remarks at the inauguration of the She Trades Sri Lanka Hub, supported by the UK’s She Trades Commonwealth+ Programme, held at Galle Face Hotel in Colombo yesterday (14). The event was coordinated by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and the International Trade Centre (ITC), as per the Prime Minister’s Media Division.
Speaking to the audience, the Prime Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to eliminating barriers that restrict women’s complete economic participation, acknowledging their essential contribution to national advancement.
Focusing on gender-responsive policies, financial empowerment, and international market entry, authorities are prioritising assistance for women-led enterprises in critical industries such as ICT, agribusiness, and engineering.
A fresh initiative will establish 200 female-led cooperatives, creating supportive networks for women entrepreneurs.
Moreover, initiatives to enhance childcare, eldercare, and disability services aim to ease responsibilities that limit women’s economic engagement, the statement noted.
A specialized platform has been introduced to offer women entrepreneurs essential knowledge, professional connections, and global trading prospects. Strengthening collaborations between public and private sectors while widening international market access remains a core approach to fostering a diverse and sustainable trade ecosystem.
By equipping women with vital expertise, financial backing, and digital trade connectivity, the government aspires to make women entrepreneurs leading contributors to economic progress, aligning with broader strategies for sustainable and inclusive growth, it added.
The event featured Ms. Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the International Trade Centre; Andrew Patrick, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka; representatives from the International Trade Centre and the British High Commission in Sri Lanka; Chairman of the Export Development Board, Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe; as well as officials from the Export Development Board and the International Trade Centre, alongside women entrepreneurs.
