Above: Senior officials from NDB Bank and NewsFirst at the launch.
NDB Bank, in partnership with NewsFirst, has announced the launch of the fifth season of the Sri Lanka Vanithabhimana Awards, the country’s premier initiative dedicated to recognising and empowering Sri Lankan women.
Over the last four years, the Sri Lanka Vanithabhimana Awards have become synonymous with celebrating the exceptional achievements of Sri Lankan women across various sectors. In its fifth season, the programme evolves beyond being a platform for recognition to a transformative 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 bank said in a media release.
The revamped Vanithabhimana programme 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 international funding sources and equipping them to expand their businesses. Through this, the programme 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 diverse fields. At the provincial level, categories include Small Entrepreneur, Upcoming Entrepreneur, and Digital Entrepreneur (a new addition), as well as Young Leader, Art & Literature, Education Services, Social Services, and Sports. The corporate sector will also be recognised through 10 awards, while a newly introduced foreign employment category will honour 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 year’s Vanithabhimana focuses on empowering women through comprehensive upskilling programmes, financial assistance, and the development of marketplaces that help them connect with key stakeholders in the supply chain. By facilitating access to these resources, NDB Bank and NewsFirst are committed to nurturing a generation of empowered women entrepreneurs who can contribute meaningfully to the national economy.
NDB Bank and NewsFirst invite all Sri Lankan women to participate in this initiative, which is not just a platform for recognition but a gateway to long-term empowerment and success. Through this program, the bank reaffirms its unwavering commitment to driving progress and inclusion while shaping a brighter future for women and the nation at large.
The Yala National Park has been closed until further notice in view of the heavy rains experienced in the area, Warden of the park Manoj Vidyaratne said.
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