The Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) presented Judy Wikkramatillake of Rocco’s with the Gold Award in the Large Category at their annual felicitation ceremony at the Hotel Taj Samudra, Colombo recently.
WCIC is a non-profit organisation which acts as a voice for change and a platform to improve the business environment for remarkable women entrepreneurs. The awards recognise women who through their own initiative, ability and effort, have made an exemplary achievement in their field, women who are outstanding role models because of their goals and the way they have achieved these goals.
Whether recognised as trailblazers in their field, or a young woman on the rise, all are pathfinders, bringing forth the key issues facing Sri Lankan women. Chief guest at the ceremony was Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. The guests of honour were Colombo Mayoress Rosy Senanayake and Minister of Women and Child Affairs Chandrani Bandara.
Rocco’s MD Wikkramatillake said, “I wouldn’t be here if not for the support of my friend and business partner, Joint Managing Director Krishanti Perera, whose wholehearted contribution has led to the restaurant’s success; nor would it be possible without the firm implementing of our values into its everyday operations.
“We have a committed team of wonderful staff members, both past and present, who support our vision,” she said, adding, “Celebrating our sixth anniversary, this accomplishment gives recognition to the hard work that has gone into building the Rocco’s brand and acknowledges our passion for good food and people.”
Co-owned by two friends, Judy Wikkramatillake and Krishanti Perera, Rocco’s story began with a pizza oven constructed in Krishanti’s garden, subsequently shifting to a main road frontage building in Nawala in August 2013. They both share a passionate love for good food with a penchant for Italian cuisine. Krishanti, with her people’s skills in addition to her talents in back office administration, maintains a good rapport with customers and creates that warm and welcoming vibe that has made Rocco’s popular.