Expolanka partnered with Sarvodaya to launch the Sabrina Yusoof Women’s Empowerment Initiative to facilitate opportunities for Sri Lankan female-led enterprises.
The project primarily aims to fund low-income female entrepreneurs to set up and enhance their own business ventures, enabling more Sri Lankan women to gain financial independence, by generating their own stable, sustainable incomes.
The initiative will aim to offer selected MSMEs in the Colombo district with access to a grant to empower their businesses, and help them adapt to the emerging ‘new normal’. Rs. 24 million has been allocated for the project.
Senior representatives from both organisations including Expolanka Group CEO, Hanif Yusoof, several board members together with Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement President, Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne launched the project.
Expolanka Group CEO, Hanif Yusoof said, “We aim to carefully target financial assistance, advice and technical support to women-led MSMEs that have the potential to grow, and create a positive ripple effect across society.”
A joint committee, consisting of officials of Exploanka and Sarvodaya will be appointed to track the progress of these businesses and allocate additional funding as they progress. The first batch of business partners were selected based on their business enterprise / idea, the challenges they faced and the financial requirements thereon. The partners were operating in a range of industries from food, handicraft, garments, tailoring, footwear, stationery to beauty care and ornamental fish. Sarvodaya President, Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne said, “Our engagement with Expolanka aims to provide holistic support that will create an enabling environment for female-led enterprises to revive and thrive.’’