Written by: Rtr. Yohara Perera

The Youth Entrepreneurship Summit 2025 (YES ’25), organized by the Professional Development Avenue of the Rotaract Club of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, once again delivered on its mission to inspire and elevate the entrepreneurial spirit among Sri Lankan youth. Celebrating its seventh year, YES ’25 provided a transformative platform for young innovators to sharpen their skills, connect with industry leaders, and bring their business ideas to life.

Executed in two impactful phases, the project began with the Entrepreneurial Edge Workshop Series, a comprehensive set of five expert-led sessions designed to equip participants with critical entrepreneurial skills.

Phase 1 – Entrepreneurial Edge Workshop Series:

This phase strongly aligned with SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by providing participants with accessible, high-quality learning experiences led by industry professionals. The sessions promoted sustainable practices (SDG 12), encouraged innovation (SDG 9), and empowered youth with critical entrepreneurial, communication, and strategic thinking skills. By bridging knowledge gaps and inspiring action, the workshop series laid the foundation for sustainable, inclusive growth.

Phase 2 – Business Idea Competition:

The competition phase supported SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure by fostering a culture of innovation and rewarding creative, viable business ideas. Through fair evaluation and active engagement, the competition encouraged responsible entrepreneurship (SDG 12) and recognized emerging talents committed to driving economic development. The event provided a real-world platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas and build lasting connections within Sri Lanka’s startup ecosystem.

The first session was led by industry expert Ms. Thilini Bandara, who explored sustainable business practices. Her discussion on “Business Growth and Green Business” offered practical insights into integrating environmental responsibility with business development. Participants were encouraged to consider the broad impact of their business decisions, fostering a mindset aligned with sustainable growth and environmental stewardship.

The second session, conducted by award-winning entrepreneur Mrs. Janaki Kathriarachchi, was both informative and inspiring. Sharing her compelling story of “Business Journey, Growth, and Challenges,” she highlighted obstacles and strategies that paved her path to success. Attendees left the session motivated to navigate their own entrepreneurial journeys with resilience and determination.

The third workshop was held via Zoom with respected academic Dr. Kamal Gnanaweera, who presented on “How to Turn a Business Idea into a Successful Venture.” His session provided actionable steps and strategic thinking for transforming innovative concepts into viable businesses, enriching participants’ entrepreneurial aspirations.

On the day of the competition, May 17, 2025, the fourth workshop was conducted by Mr. Dilen Fernando, owner of Pepper Street. This interactive session focused on practical skills for business success, where he shared his entrepreneurial highs and lows, encouraging participant engagement through thoughtful dialogue.

The final session featured standup comedian Mr. Anderson Haran, who captivated the audience with insights on self-confidence, public speaking, and presentation skills. Through humor and relatable anecdotes, he emphasized the importance of effective communication in professional and personal branding, equipping participants to present their ideas with greater impact.

The workshop series concluded on a high note, successfully preparing participants with essential entrepreneurship knowledge and skills—from sustainable business to public speaking—setting a strong foundation for the competition phase.

The second phase—the Business Idea Competition—was a vibrant showcase of creativity and innovation. The competition was held in two categories: the school category and the open category. Around 60 participants competed, with 21 finalists advancing to the final round. Pitches were evaluated across two levels, each judged by separate panels of distinguished experts to ensure fair and comprehensive assessment. The final competition day was held physically at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura premises, providing an engaging in-person experience for participants and attendees.

Participants gave overwhelmingly positive feedback, praising the event’s organization, the quality of workshops, and the competitive spirit of the summit. Winners were awarded cash prizes, medals, and certificates, while a unique “Most Popular Business Idea” was selected through a live voting system, enhancing audience engagement.

The event’s success was made possible by the relentless efforts of a dedicated organizing committee, whose strategic planning ensured smooth execution across all fronts—from logistical precision and financial stewardship to dynamic PR outreach.

YES ’25 not only recognized outstanding entrepreneurial talent but also cultivated a network of future change-makers. As the summit concluded on a high note of inspiration, it reaffirmed its place as a benchmark initiative in Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurial ecosystem—laying the foundation for even greater innovation in the years ahead.

Graphic designed by : Rtr. Mahesha Bamunusinghe