Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized that while women play a vital role in Sri Lanka’s economic and social progress, structural barriers continue to hinder their full participation.
Speaking at the launch of the She Trades Sri Lanka Hub at Galle Face Hotel in Colombo yesterday (14), she reaffirmed the government’s commitment to breaking these barriers and fostering an inclusive economic environment where women can thrive as business leaders, entrepreneurs, and exporters.
Funded by the UK’s She Trades Commonwealth+ Program and organized by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC), the initiative aims to empower women-led businesses. Authorities are prioritizing gender-inclusive policies, financial inclusion, and access to global markets, focusing on key sectors such as ICT, agribusiness, and engineering.
As part of this effort, the government will establish 200 women-led cooperatives to create supportive environments for female entrepreneurs. Additionally, improved childcare, elderly care, and disability services will help reduce burdens that limit women’s economic participation. A new platform has also been introduced to provide women entrepreneurs with knowledge, networking, and international trade opportunities.
Strengthening public-private partnerships and expanding global market access are key strategies for building an inclusive and sustainable trade ecosystem. By equipping women with skills, financial resources, and digital trade access, the government aims to position women entrepreneurs as key drivers of economic growth, aligning with broader policies for sustainable development.
The event was attended by ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton, British High Commissioner Andrew Patrick, officials from the British High Commission and the Export Development Board, and women entrepreneurs from across Sri Lanka.
