The Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE) recently hosted ‘The Big Lunch,’ in collaboration with iLEAD International Academy and CIFOR-ICRAF, to promote green entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka. This event marked a pivotal step towards establishing Sri Lanka as a leader in environmental conservation and sustainable economic growth. Attendees included members of various Business Chambers, government officials from the Ministry of Environment, UN agencies, international and national NGOs, civil society organizations, academic and research institutions, environmentalists, and youth representatives.
‘The Big Lunch’ aimed to generate actionable ideas to bolster Sri Lanka’s efforts in nature conservation, following its selection as one of the seven UN Flagship programs for mangrove restoration. The Green Entrepreneurship for Mangroves initiative employs a tripartite approach, uniting local communities, businesses, and research institutions to coordinate mangrove restoration efforts effectively.
Ruwan Wijewardene, Senior Advisor to the President on Climate Change, emphasized the importance of fostering open and constructive dialogue among all stakeholders. He expressed confidence that this program would demonstrate the harmonious coexistence of economic growth and environmental conservation. COYLE’s support for entrepreneurial ventures prioritizing environmental sustainability paves the way for a greener future.
COYLE members will play a crucial role through the establishment of a new Entrepreneur Development Centre, providing support and resources to budding entrepreneurs dedicated to green business practices. Ravi Pratap Singh, a key advocate for green entrepreneurship and mangrove restoration, introduced the project, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts between businesses, research institutions, and youth mobilization at the community level. Dr. Rupesh Bhomia, Senior Scientist of CIFOR-ICRAF, assured ongoing support through ICRAF’s global technical expertise.
COYLE Chairman Thushira Raddella encapsulated the spirit of the event: “We aim to support those ready to develop entrepreneurial ventures that support the environment, especially conserving mangroves. Economic growth and environmental conservation can go hand in hand. We believe in growing existing entrepreneurs and promoting new avenues of entrepreneurship and innovations.”
Restoring and protecting mangroves is crucial, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goal SDG-14, which focuses on managing oceans and coasts sustainably. Raddella emphasized that mangrove restoration also supports other SDGs, such as eliminating poverty and hunger, ensuring livelihoods and economic growth, combating climate change, and halting biodiversity loss.
The ‘Big Lunch’ fostered vital discussions and laid the groundwork for empowering youth through sustainable entrepreneurship. The continued support and active participation of all stakeholders are vital to achieving the goals set during this event. COYLE is committed to leading green entrepreneurship and environmental conservation efforts. Ground-level work will commence in September, marking the beginning of this transformative initiative.