At Global CEO Magazine, we are honoured to sit down with a true changemaker—a trailblazing woman who has defied the odds to build an empire through sheer determination. She is Dr Dilesha Perera, Co-Founder of La Vivente. Just last year, she was recognised as the Overall Winner at the ‘Prathibhabhisheka Women Entrepreneurs Awards 2024’ by the Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce, receiving four distinguished accolades:

• Woman Entrepreneur of the Year 2024
• SAARC Woman Entrepreneur of the Year 2024
• Gold Award for Women Entrepreneur in the Large Business Category
• Women Entrepreneur of the Western Province

Dr Perera’s achievements extend beyond this. In 2022, she was named Asia’s Top Outstanding Woman Marketeer of the Year by the Asian Marketing Federation. In 2023, she was honoured as one of the Most Admired Marketing Leaders by the World Marketing Congress in Mumbai and was recognised as the Best Entrepreneur of South Asia (SME Category) at the South Asian Partnership Summit and Business Excellence Awards.

We are thrilled to have her with us today to discuss her journey, the challenges she has overcome, and her vision for the future of SMEs in Sri Lanka.

Dr Perera, transitioning from a highly successful career in banking to the fashion industry was a bold move. What motivated this shift?

Thank you for having me. As you rightly said, I had a successful career in banking. At the time of my transition, I was working for Standard Chartered Bank, and moving into entrepreneurship was indeed a significant risk. Even my parents were hesitant about me leaving a stable career.

However, I had always dreamt of becoming an entrepreneur since childhood. That dream, combined with my passion for creating something of my own, motivated me to take the leap.

How did your experience in banking help you navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship?

My banking career gave me a strong foundation in financial discipline, networking, and leadership. Having managed teams and attended various training programmes, I developed skills in staff motivation, coaching, and strategic planning.

These experiences were invaluable when I started my own business. I was able to effectively manage finances, build strong relationships, and create a company culture focused on continuous growth and excellence.

The SME sector, particularly in fashion, faces many disruptions. What were the biggest challenges you encountered, and how did you overcome them?

When we started, La Vivente was primarily a wholesaler, working with top retail chains in Sri Lanka. However, we faced two major challenges:
1. Declining margins – Every year, profit margins were shrinking, making it difficult to sustain the business.
2. Order dependency – Our production was entirely dependent on the retailers’ orders, leading to supply chain inconsistencies.

Since La Vivente is a social enterprise, we work closely with micro-manufacturers who rely on us for a steady flow of orders. The unpredictability of wholesale orders made it difficult to maintain this commitment.

To overcome this, we decided to enter the retail market ourselves. That is how the La Vivente brand was born—allowing us to directly connect with customers, stabilise our supply chain, and ensure our micro-manufacturers had consistent business.

The name “La Vivente” means “The Living.” What was your vision behind this name?

The name reflects our brand’s core mission—empowering small businesses and giving them a sustainable livelihood. Many of our micro-manufacturers are individuals or small groups trying to establish themselves in the industry.
We not only provide them with orders but also:
• Offer financial support to help them set up their businesses.
• Guarantee them a market for their products.
• Train them in quality control and bookkeeping, ensuring they can sustainably manage their businesses.

Your leadership has helped La Vivente win multiple prestigious awards. What principles guide your approach to brand building and leadership?

For me, brand building is not just about a logo—it’s about purpose. La Vivente is a purpose-driven brand, committed to social impact while staying true to Sri Lankan culture.
Our core brand values include:
• Trustworthiness – Building credibility with customers and partners.
• Cultural identity – Showcasing Sri Lankan heritage through contemporary fashion.
• Innovation – Staying ahead of industry trends while maintaining brand authenticity.
As a leader, I believe in leading by example, valuing my team’s ideas, and fostering a culture of innovation. The fashion industry evolves rapidly, so we must continuously adapt and create.

Having excelled in both banking and fashion, what is the best piece of advice you have received, and how has it shaped your decision-making?

The best advice I’ve received is not to focus on short-term gains but to always think long-term. Whether in business, relationships, or personal life, looking at the bigger picture helps in making the right decisions.

This mindset has helped me navigate challenges, remain patient, and build a sustainable business rather than making impulsive choices.

As a strong advocate for SME growth in Sri Lanka, what key initiatives or policy changes you believe would benefit small businesses?

There are many challenges facing SMEs, but one of the most pressing issues today is the influx of international fast-fashion brands like Shein and Temu. These brands sell products at extremely low prices, bypassing import duties and regulations, making it nearly impossible for local SMEs to compete.

Other countries have started implementing restrictions or promoting local alternatives to protect their SME sector. Sri Lanka should consider:
• Stronger import regulations to ensure fair competition.
• Incentives for local manufacturers to enhance production and compete globally.
• Better access to finance for SMEs, as many struggle with working capital.
The SME sector contributes over 50% to Sri Lanka’s GDP, making it the backbone of our economy. If properly supported, SMEs can play a crucial role in long-term economic growth.

Final Thoughts

With that, we come to the end of yet another insightful conversation at Global CEO Magazine. Dr Dilesha Perera’s journey is an inspiring testament to resilience, innovation, and leadership. Her commitment to empowering SMEs and fostering sustainable entrepreneurship is truly commendable.

Thank you, Dr Perera, for sharing your valuable insights with us. We wish you continued success in your future endeavours!