We had the privilege of speaking with a remarkable leader—Ms Gayani De Alwis, Chairperson of the Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) in Sri Lanka, recently.

With a deep passion for empowering women entrepreneurs, Ms De Alwis has been at the forefront of promoting women’s participation in the business world.

Under her leadership, the WCIC has made significant strides in providing support and creating opportunities for female entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka.

In our conversation, she shared invaluable insights into the challenges women face in business, the evolving landscape of female entrepreneurship, and the transformative role of digitalisation and innovation in empowering women-led businesses.

The Landscape of Women Entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka

Global CEO: Women entrepreneurs, whether in SMEs or micro-businesses, are an integral part of the economy. What is the current landscape for female entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka?

Gayani De Alwis: The landscape for female entrepreneurs is evolving, but it’s a mixed picture. While there has been progress, many persistent challenges remain. One major concern is the declining female labour force participation in Sri Lanka. However, the encouraging trend is that more young women are entering entrepreneurship, and they are venturing into diverse industries beyond traditional sectors.

I remain optimistic because obstacles often create new opportunities. The increasing involvement of young women in entrepreneurship is a promising development for the country.

Challenges Facing Female Entrepreneurs

Global CEO: Every business comes with challenges, but what are the biggest obstacles faced by female entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka?

Gayani De Alwis: One of the biggest challenges is access to capital. Many banks require collateral when granting loans, but historically, women in Sri Lanka do not own land in significant numbers. This limits their ability to secure funding. A key focus should be on providing collateral-free credit for women entrepreneurs.

Another major hurdle is access to markets. Without proper knowledge, it is difficult for entrepreneurs to understand market dynamics, regulatory requirements, consumer needs, and product quality standards. Marketing plays a crucial role in business success, and women must learn how to position their products effectively.

A third challenge is access to knowledge and digital tools. While digital infrastructure is growing, many women lack the necessary digital skills. Digital literacy is essential for modern business operations, yet many female entrepreneurs struggle with it. Moreover, balancing work and family life presents additional challenges, particularly for mothers. Managing a business while fulfilling family responsibilities is not easy.

If women can embrace digital platforms, they can operate businesses more efficiently, market their products effectively, and even work from home. This would significantly ease some of the burdens they face.

The Role of the Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce

Global CEO: How does the Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce support female entrepreneurs and women-led businesses?

Gayani De Alwis: The Women’s Chamber is the world’s first women-owned chamber, established 40 years ago. This itself speaks volumes about the vision of our founders. Our mission is to support both women entrepreneurs and professional women. We also focus on assisting women in the informal sector.

Our objectives include removing barriers, enabling sustainable business growth, and creating new opportunities. Some of our key initiatives include:
• Market access programmes – We organise marketplaces in Colombo during the April and December festive seasons, allowing women entrepreneurs from across the country to showcase their products, gain business leads, and establish networks.
• Capacity-building programmes – Women need to strengthen their business skills, and we provide training in areas such as digital literacy, financial literacy, marketing, and supply chain management.
• Annual Women Entrepreneur Awards – This flagship event recognises and encourages outstanding women entrepreneurs, serving as a platform to showcase their success stories.
• Export-readiness programmes – We recently launched Ramp Up, a fashion show highlighting lesser-known women entrepreneurs in the apparel sector. The goal is to prepare them for international markets.
• Advocacy for policy change – We actively engage with policymakers to ensure that government policies support women’s economic participation.
These initiatives empower women entrepreneurs and contribute to the overall economic landscape.

The Impact of Digital Transformation and Innovation

Global CEO: Digital transformation and innovation are shaping modern business. How can these factors support women-led businesses?

Gayani De Alwis: This is a crucial area. Women must understand that digitalisation and innovation are not optional—they are essential for business success. You cannot continue doing the same thing and expect different results.

For women, digitalisation offers a way to manage work, home, and business more effectively. Many young female entrepreneurs are already leveraging social media for their businesses. Digital platforms help reduce commuting time and allow women to work from home while reaching global markets.

Innovation is equally important. Women should focus on creating niche products rather than simply replicating existing ideas. A unique, innovative product has a much greater chance of success in both local and export markets.

Advice for Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs

Global CEO: What advice would you give to aspiring female entrepreneurs trying to break barriers?

Gayani De Alwis: First and foremost, confidence is key. Challenges will always exist, but if you believe in yourself and understand market opportunities, you can create a successful business. Develop a product or service that exceeds consumer expectations, and you will stand out.

Second, achieving work-life harmony is crucial. It’s not always about balance, but rather creating a system that works for you. Entrepreneurs often work around the clock, but it is vital to take care of yourself. You need strength, confidence, and resilience to run a business while managing family responsibilities.

Finally, opportunities are expanding. There is growing support for women entrepreneurs, both from the private sector and government policies. With Sri Lanka having a female Prime Minister, there is greater attention on gender-sensitive policies that can benefit women-led businesses.

Now is the time for women to step forward, be bold, be innovative, and seize the opportunities available. The market is there—you just have to go out and conquer it.

A Strong Start for the Global CEO Forum

And that concludes an episode of the Global CEO Magazine. A big ‘thank you’ to Ms Gayani De Alwis for sharing her expertise and invaluable advice on how female entrepreneurs can overcome barriers and succeed in business.

Her insights serve as an inspiration to aspiring women entrepreneurs, providing the confidence and motivation needed to move forward. We wish all women-led businesses the very best on their journey to growth and success.