The project Youth Entrepreneurship Summit 2023 or YES’23 was organized by the Professional Development Avenue of the Rotaract Club of University of Sri Jayewardenepura, for the 5th consecutive time with a noble objective to develop youth entrepreneurship in our nation, as a route to stimulating economic growth, more job opportunities and innovation.

The main focus of the project was a business idea pitching competition. This focus was reached through two phases. The first phase was organized to develop the understanding of our competitors and all other participants on the composition of a good business report and a business idea pitch, along with the calibre of a good pitch. This was achieved through a webinar conducted by Ms. Chathini De Silva, a lecturer from the Department of Entrepreneurship at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. The webinar was succeeded by the submission of business reports by the competitors, which thereupon were evaluated by a panel of judges. Through this phase, young entrepreneurs were stimulated to think about and plan their business ideas, following a guided structure. They also got an insight into the nature of an effective business pitch, which will help secure investments from potential investors.

The second phase was the business idea pitching competition itself, where five selected finalists from the pool of competitors, pitched their business ideas in the presence of a distinguished panel of judges. The Grand Finale took place at the Senate Boardroom of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura on the 27th of May 2023. The competitors displayed extraordinary qualities, skills, passion and servitude which left all participants in awe. The winners of the event were selected and awarded for their competence, and hard work displayed.

The project was able to attract the attention of the International Labour Organization and the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, securing them as the knowledge collaborators of the event.

Project YES’23 contributes to the attainment of almost all sustainable development goals, as entrepreneurship influences progress in many areas such as eradicating poverty, no hunger, decent work and economic growth etc. The project was concluded successfully with an ambition to carry this forward for many years to come.

Written by: Rtr. Thaha Mahmood

Graphic design by: Rtr. Damindu Lakshan