Sri Lanka Vanithabhimana a trailblazing

 

 National Development Bank PLC - Launched Event and Press Conference 6th March 2025 @ 5.00pm at the BMICH , (Orchid Hall) , Colombo 7 , Sri Lanka .

Sri Lanka Vanithabhimana Launched Fifth Season to Champion Women's

Empowerment and Sustainability

NDB Bank in partnership with NewsFirst, proudly announces the launched of the fifth season

of the Sri Lanka Vanithabhimana Awards, the country's premier initiative dedicated to

recognising and empowering Sri Lankan women. This milestone season will officially begin

Over the last four years, the Sri Lanka Vanithabhimana Awards have become synonymous

with celecbrating the exceptional achievements of Sri I Lankan women acroSS various sectors.

In its fitth scason, the program evolves beyond being a platform for recognition to a

transformmative initiative aimed at creating a long-term societal and economic impact. This

evolution is driven by a visionary five-year sustainability model that seeks to empower

women entrepreneurs, improve financial literacy, and create pathways for sustainable

growth.

The revamped Vanithabhimana program aims to bridge the gender gap in financial literacy.

enabling women to make informed decisions that contribute to their economic well-being. By

empowering homemakers to become entrepreneurs and assisting small-scale business owners

in scaling their operations, the initiative will play a pivotal role in fostering inclusive

economic growth. A key objective of this sustainability model is to empower a group of

women exporters to enter the global market by the end of 2030, connecting them with

intenational funding sources and equipping them to expand their businesses. Through this,

the program not only addresses local market challenges but also positions Sri Lankan women

entrepreneurs on a global platform.

The fifth season will feature an expanded award structure that recognises excellence across

dverse fields. At the provincial level, categories include Small Entrepreneur, Upcoming

Enireprencur, and Digital Entrepreneur (a new addition), as well as Young Leader, Art &

Lilerature, Education Services, Social Services. and Sports. The corporate sector wll also be

recognised through ten awards, while a newly introduced foreign employment category will

bonour the contributions of Sri Lankan women working overseas. Additional accolades Will

include five Lifetime Achievement Awards. Most Popular Awards, and special recognition

for nominees under the Most Popular category.

Beyond the awards, this vear's Vanithabhimana focuses on

comprchensive upskilling programs, financial assistance, and the development of

empowering women through

marketplaces that help them connect with key stakeholders in the supply chain. By

faciitating access to these resources, NDB Bank and NewsFirst are committed to nurturing a

Heneration of empowered women entrepreneurs wvho can contribute meaningfully to the

ational economy.

Applications for this landmark season will open on 7h March. 2025, offering WOmen acrosS

he contry an opportunity to embark on a journey of growth and transformation.

NOB Bank and NewsFirst invite all Sri Lankan women to participate in this initiative, which

Thgh is progrs, the hank reaffirms its unwavering commitment to driving progress and

recognition but a gateway to long-term empoerment and success

clssos wle saping briguer future for women and the nation at large.