WCIC Prathibhabhisheka Awards 2025 celebrates women entrepreneurs
Sri Lanka’s women entrepreneurs were recognised for their resilience, innovation and leadership at the WCIC Prathibhabhisheka Women Entrepreneur Awards 2025, held recently, reaffirming the critical role women-led enterprises play in the country’s economic and social development.
The prestigious Woman Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 title was awarded to Vera Wickramasinghe of Worldlink Shipping Colombo (Pvt) Ltd, who also received the SAARC Region Woman Entrepreneur Award.
Organised by the Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC), Prathibhabhisheka has emerged as a nationally respected platform that acknowledges business excellence grounded in governance, financial discipline and sustainable growth. The 2025 edition, which coincided with WCIC’s 40th anniversary, recorded its highest ever participation, reflecting the growing depth and diversity of women entrepreneurship across Sri Lanka and the SAARC region.
The awards ceremony was graced by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya who, addressing the gathering, commended women entrepreneurs for building enterprises despite structural, financial and social challenges, noting their contribution to resilience at both household and national levels.
At the national level, Christuraja Mary Chrishantha of Universal Aqua (Pvt) Ltd was honoured as Woman of Courage 2025, while Shehani Kulatunga of Shells Ceylon (Pvt) Ltd received the award for Most Innovative Entrepreneur. Anne Gunasekera of Boutique Fiori was recognised as Social Entrepreneur of the Year, and Dr. Dhanushi Hettiarachchi of Ophtha Innovations (Pvt) Ltd was named Digital Entrepreneur of the Year.
The Young Woman Entrepreneur of the Year award was presented to Dr. Kavya Jayakody of International Management Centre (Pvt) Ltd, while Achinthya Neligama of Wellness Cultz (Pvt) Ltd secured the title of Outstanding Start-up of 2025. Export excellence was recognised through awards to D. Buddhika Sandeepani Kularathna of Ceylbee International (Pvt) Ltd for products, and Ayomi Gunawardena of Inivos Consulting (Pvt) Ltd for services.
Category awards highlighted performance across enterprise sizes. In the Start-up category, Dr. Dhanushi Hettiarachchi won Gold, followed by Achinthya Neligama (Silver) and P. Sumudu M. Pathirathna of Lenora Cosmetics (Pvt) Ltd (Bronze). The Micro category saw Bhagya Sandakelum of Blue Fish Ceylon (Pvt) Ltd claim Gold, with M. R. M. Bisriya of Fashion Bags and Gayani Nilmini De Alwis of Nimreka Batik taking Silver and Bronze respectively.
In the Small enterprise segment, Dr. Nathalie Herath of Lavish Aesthetics (Pvt) Ltd emerged Gold winner, while Shehani Kulatunga and Christuraja Mary Chrishantha secured Silver and Bronze. The Medium category recognised D. Buddhika Sandeepani Kularathna with Gold, Shyama Perera of International Institute of Music, Speech & Drama (Pvt) Ltd and B. Thilini Jayasuriya of Foreconns Canneries with Silver, and Niluka Weligamage of Dazzle with Bronze. In the Large category, Vera Wickramasinghe won Gold, followed by Anjula Sivakumaran of Industrial Stainless Steel Fabrications (Pvt) Ltd and Ayomi Gunawardena.
The SAARC category recognised regional excellence, with Masarrat Misbah of Depilex Group (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan winning Gold, Shobhana Dugar of Dugar Spices and Food Products (Pvt) Ltd, Nepal securing Silver, and Lakshmi Trivedy of Flexiele Consulting Services (Pvt) Ltd, India awarded Bronze.
Provincial winners represented every region of the country, reinforcing inclusivity and geographic diversity. Winners included Vera Wickramasinghe (Western Province), P. Sumudu M. Pathirathna (Central), H. G. Nileeka Prasanthi of Kavishka Products (Southern), Dr. Nathalie Herath (North Western), E. G. Maneesha Humphrey of Paraiba (Pvt) Ltd (Sabaragamuwa), M. R. M. Bisriya (Eastern), D. Buddhika Sandeepani Kularathna (Uva), Sunethra Kumari Karunarathne of Oshadhi Beauty Salon (North Central) and Christuraja Mary Chrishantha (Northern).
Commenting on the programme, WCIC leadership emphasised that Prathibhabhisheka’s 9-month evaluation process, conducted with a complete endorsement by Ernst & Young, ensures transparency and credibility, positioning the awards as a benchmark of excellence.
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