ICTA Joins 20,000 Organizations Helping Entrepreneurs Transform Ideas into Action during Global Entrepreneurship Week 2022

The Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) of Sri Lanka and partner organizations will mark Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) from 14th -20th November 2022. Over eighty events will be organized by fifty ecosystem enablers covering four themes; ecosystems, education, inclusion, and policy. In addition, a series of events will take place across the country to celebrate and empower entrepreneurs as a driving force in the economy.

Professor Malik Ranasignhe- Chairman ICTA, Mr. Suresh de Mel - Acting Managing Director Global Entrepreneurship Network Sri Lanka and, Chairman & Chief Executive – the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, Mr. Sachindra Samararathne – Associate Chief Digital Economy Officer, ICTA, Ms. Thilaka Jayasundara – Secretary Ministry of Industries, Ms. Lakmini Wijesundara – Co-founder and Executive Director at IronOne Technologies and BoardPAC, Mr. Charitha Elvitigala – Co- Founder, Bug Zero, along with many other distinguished guests attended the launch ceremony on 14th November 2022

Speaking at the launch Mr. Suresh de Mel stated, “this November, Global Entrepreneurship Network will celebrate 15 years of helping millions of people unleash their ideas to start and scale new businesses through GEW. The campaign began in 2008 with an emphasis on inspiring young people to make their mark and has quickly grown to become a comprehensive effort that engages entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, researchers, support organizations and others collaborating to advance economic growth and innovation in more than 180+ countries around the world., GEW is an international movement dedicated to making it possible for anyone, anywhere to start and scale a company. It is an ideal platform for all aspiring individuals or institutions to connect, understand, support, and celebrate entrepreneurs globally”.

Throughout the GEW, informative and engaging discussions will take place to encourage entrepreneurs, stimulate economic expansion, and improve the welfare of individuals. Apart from entrepreneurs, there will be activities for school students, university students, regional startup hubs and enablers, and aspiring entrepreneurs. Initiatives during the week include Bootcamps, Career Guidance sessions, entrepreneurs' fair, virtual panel discussions, hackathons, and workshops. In addition, topics such as ‘Challenge the Conventions’, ‘Pathways to Entrepreneurship in Japan, ‘Digital SME 101’, ‘Coding for Girls’, ‘Suhuruliya #SheMeansBusiness’, ‘Entrepreneurship policies and challenges in Digital Era’, ‘Bug Hunter Freelancer programs’, and ‘Investor Pitching’ will be covered through the activities.

Associate Chief Digital Economy Officer, ICTA, Sachindra Samararathne stated, “through the engagement of GEW, we hope to celebrate the entrepreneur journey, connect the support ecosystem with entrepreneurs and encourage budding entrepreneurs to start their venture contributing to the economic growth of our Country ”.

Secretary Ministry of Industries, Ms. Thilaka Jayasundara, stated, “as the key Ministry responsible for promoting industrial development in the country within the wide policy framework of the government, we believe entrepreneurs play a key role in driving the economy of the nation”.

Ms. Lakmini Wijesundara, Co-founder and Executive Director at IronOne Technologies & BoardPAC, shared her insights on how entrepreneurs should rise amidst challenges, especially in the context of female entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka, and discussed the immense potential the path of entrepreneurship offered for females.

The line up of activities coinciding with Global Entrepreneurship Week is made possible by the generous support of corporate sponsor Bug Zero, media partners, Digital Content (Private) Limited, Arteculate, and MTV News First, along with many ecosystem enablers.

To learn more about how you can be a part of Global Entrepreneurship Week, follow twitter.com/GEWSriLanka or follow facebook.com/ictasrilanka/ . Register for a GEW activity at https://lnkd.in/gr8ZttrF