Top Lankan entrepreneur says life not a bed of roses

W.K.H. Wegapitiya (left) holds the trophy with FCCISL President Nawaz Rajabdeen

The need for a conducive environment for entrepreneurship to flourish with macro economic stability, peace and good governance, was last week emphasised by Norwegian Ambassador in Sri Lanka Tore Hattrem.

Speaking as the chief guest at the 12th Annual Sri Lankan Entrepreneur of the year 2006 Award ceremony organized by the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FCCISL), he said entrepreneurs have a crucial role to play in Sri Lanka as economic growth is decisive for the country’s lasting development.

The winner of the main award -- Platinum - Chairman Laugfs Holdings Ltd W.K.H.Wegapitiya appealed to all Sri Lankans to buy Sri Lankan products as true sons and daughters of the motherland. He added that the life of an entrepreneur is not a bed of roses and becoming an entrepreneur is like giving birth to a child and nurturing him. He said that he had to undergo many difficulties and challenges during the past 12 years but all his efforts to overcome these hurdles havenow started to pay dividends.

Multichemi Group Chairman and Managing Director Samantha Kumarasinghe won the National Gold award while the CEO Managing Director of Chevron Lubricants Lanka Plc Kishu Gomes received the Silver Award.

Twenty-six national level awards were presented in the categories of small, medium, large and extra large and three special awards for entrepreneurs recovering from the tsunami.