The Youth Entrepreneurship Summit 2023, known as YES’24, was organized by the Professional Development Avenue of the Rotaract Club of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura for the 6th consecutive year. The noble objective of YES’24 was to inspire and equip young entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and mindset to stimulate economic growth, create job opportunities, and drive innovation in our nation.

Serving as a gateway for aspiring young entrepreneurs to embark on their business journeys, YES’24 offered participants an unparalleled chance to showcase their entrepreneurial talents to potential investors. The event facilitated meaningful interactions, providing an incredible opportunity for young entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka to demonstrate their business acumen and connect with potential investors, thus paving the way for their future success.                

The project focused on a comprehensive business idea pitching competition, structured in two distinct phases. The first phase aimed to develop participants’ understanding of crafting a compelling business report and delivering an effective business pitch. This was achieved through an informative webinar conducted by Mr. Madushanka Mallawaarachchi, Head of Digital Marketing and Distribution at the Global Stanford Campus on the 6^th of May 2024. The session, titled “Business Basics Workshop From Idea To Report,” provided participants with essential skills in structuring business proposals, identifying target audiences, and creating compelling value propositions. Following the webinar, competitors submitted their business reports, which were then evaluated by a panel of judges. This phase encouraged young entrepreneurs to think critically and plan their business ideas, following a structured approach and gaining insights into the nature of an effective business pitch, essential for securing investments.

The second phase was the business idea pitching competition itself, where selected finalists from the pool of competitors presented their business ideas to a distinguished panel of judges. Despite the transition to an online format due to a non-academic strike, the Grand Finale took place successfully on the 20th of May 2024. The esteemed judges included Mr. Varatharajah Kumaraguru, CEO/Country Manager of Youth Business Sri Lanka at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Hashan Waduge, CEO & Co-Founder of onlineaccounting.lk; and Ms. Chathurika H. Jayasuriya, a lecturer from the Department of Decision Sciences at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. The finalists showcased extraordinary qualities, skills, and passion, which left the judges and participants in awe. V.G Chanuka Akash emerged as the winner, with Tharindu Narada and Isuru Perera as the runners-up, receiving accolades for their competence and hard work.

The project was proudly sponsored by SLT Mobitel, whose support was instrumental in the event’s success. The project’s commitment to addressing all 17 Sustainable Development Goals was evident, highlighting entrepreneurship’s influence on areas such as poverty eradication, zero hunger, decent work, and economic growth.

The project concluded on a triumphant note, leaving an indelible mark on the participants and the wider community. YES’24 not only celebrated entrepreneurial spirit but also paved the way for continued innovation and collaboration in the years to come. The Rotaract Club of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura remains committed to nurturing future entrepreneurs, ensuring that the legacy of YES continues to inspire and empower young minds.