Women’s chamber expands to the North

The Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) has marked its 40th year of empowering women entrepreneurs by officially establishing its Northern Chapter.

While WCIC has consistently supported women in business across Sri Lanka, this dedicated chapter will further consolidate efforts to uplift and strengthen entrepreneurship in the Northern Province, the chamber said in a media release.

To commemorate this milestone, WCIC organised a special programme that included a Capacity Building workshop on the “Fundamentals of Finance” by Somasuriyasingam Janarthanan of JA Partners – Chartered Accountants - for entrepreneurs in the first half of the day. The evening featured a formal event to officially announce the launch, bringing together key stakeholders and the local community. The WCIC Northern Chapter office will be led by Manager Thuvaraka B. Prashanthan, ensuring seamless operations and greater accessibility for women entrepreneurs in the region.

WCIC has been actively supporting Women-Led Small and Medium Enterprises (WSMEs) in the North for the past two years through the German Asia-Pacific Business Association (OAV). During this period, WSMEs engaged with the Northern Group have benefited from skill development programmes, market exposure, and expert guidance. With the establishment of the Northern Chapter, these initiatives will be further enhanced to maximize the impact on women entrepreneurs.

The launch event witnessed the participation of a distinguished audience, including Chief Secretary of the Northern Province, L. Ilaangovan, and Government Agent/District Secretary, M. Piratheepan.