Sri Lankan businessmen honoured at COYLE 14th AGM

Sri Lanka’s top businessmen, members of a new chamber representing entrepreneurs, were recognized at the annual meeting of the Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE) held recently in Colombo.

Wasantha de Silva took over as chairman of the chamber at the AGM which was preceded by celebrations honouring excellence and achievement in Sri Lankan business.

In keeping with the principles and aspirations of COYLE, the evening was adorned by a truly traditional atmosphere with a mixture of national garb and décor depicting the country’s national flower – the Blue Water Lilly and the cutting of kiributh. Achievers’ awards were presented to the 12 top achievers selected by a panel of COYLE committee members. A audience of over 350 guests included Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris, Minister Bandula Gunewardena, Pavithra Wanniarachchi, MPs and others. “Sri Lanka’s time has come to realize its full potential. Some of the most inspiring and transformational changes I see across Sri Lanka lie outside our traditional areas of strength and offer perhaps the brightest prospects for the future. Companies are now judged, not by how fast they are growing, as growth is assumed, but by whether they are growing faster than the competition,” noted Prof. G.L. Peiris, in comments released by the chamber.

He said Sri Lanka has smart, young, ambitious and highly articulate professionals and phenomenally talented entrepreneurs, many at the helm of fast growing and dynamic companies. “We are seeing Sri Lankan visionaries and pioneers as well as indigenous companies taking the lead and developing homegrown solutions to our problems,” he added.

The welcome address was made by Sanjaya Jayaratne - Senior Vice Chairman, Wasantha de Silva delivered the Chairman’s speech while Vice Chairman Mr. Navin Perera delivered the vote of thanks.