The British Council Sri Lanka has initiated a groundbreaking project titled ‘Youth-Led Green and Inclusive Initiatives in Businesses’ aimed at harnessing the potential of young entrepreneurs to drive sustainable and inclusive transitions in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across Sri Lanka. This innovative endeavor seeks to empower budding business leaders with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to integrate green and inclusive practices into their enterprises, fostering positive environmental, social, and economic impacts.
With a systemic commitment to sustainability and inclusiveness, the project endeavors to cultivate customer loyalty, attract top talent, secure investments, enhance stakeholder engagement, foster team cohesion, and spur innovation within SMEs. By providing a platform to demystify green and inclusive initiatives, the project aims to demonstrate how youth-led businesses can play a pivotal role in advancing ecological, economic, and societal progress.
Thirty promising young entrepreneurs were carefully selected through a rigorous application process, considering their existing knowledge, dedication to sustainability, and future aspirations. Representing diverse sectors such as agriculture, food processing, tourism, and retail trade, these entrepreneurs form the vanguard of a new wave of socially responsible businesses poised to drive positive change in Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurial landscape.
In collaboration with esteemed partners such as the Green Movement of Sri Lanka, Lanka Social Ventures, the Export Development Board, National Innovation Agency, Earth Dreams International, Thuru, Zero Trash, and the Centre for Living Sustainability at the University of Highlands and Islands in Scotland, the project aims to create a vibrant ecosystem conducive to sustainable business practices.
Addressing the participants during the project launch, Sanjeevani Munasinghe, Head of Programmes at the British Council, underscored the commitment to empower young entrepreneurs to translate their visionary ideas into tangible achievements. Emphasizing the transformative potential of green and inclusive practices, Munasinghe expressed optimism about the project’s capacity to catalyze positive societal and environmental change.
Chameera Wickramasinghe, Programme Manager-Non-formal Education at the British Council, echoed Munasinghe’s sentiments, emphasizing the pivotal role of young people as change-makers in driving sustainable business practices. Wickramasinghe emphasized the project’s focus on fostering a sustainability mindset among young entrepreneurs, positioning them as role models for greener and more inclusive business practices.
The project launch featured notable guests from state organizations, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector, affirming widespread support for the initiative. Manique Gunaratne, Manager of the Specialized Training and Disability Resource Centre at The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon, highlighted the importance of inclusivity in business organizations, particularly emphasizing disability inclusion. Additionally, Heminda Jayaweera delivered a keynote speech on fostering a sustainability mindset, underscoring the critical importance of sustainability in shaping the future of business.
As Sri Lanka advances towards its net-zero and green economy aspirations by 2050, the British Council’s initiative underscores its unwavering commitment to nurturing a new generation of environmentally conscious and socially responsible business leaders. Through collaborative efforts and concerted action, the project seeks to pave the way for a greener, more equitable future, driven by the innovative spirit and unwavering determination of its youth.