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By Kushani Ratnayake

The Women's Chamber of Industries and Commerce (WCIC) is planning to set up a 'Business Clinic' where women entrepreneurs can get business information provided by professionals in the field.

"The business clinic will help them to have a better knowledge in business and will also help them to carry on their own business successfully," Chairperson of the WCIC Indira Kulatilake said.

Through the Business Clinic the members and other entrepreneurs will be able to get information on how to start a business and seek advice on how to maintain a business venture.

To make women aware of these activities, the WCIC plans to organise conferences and launch a 'help line'.

"We are also planning to conduct some programs for women in rural areas, specially in agriculture and herbal plants.

We have members such as Janet Balasuriya and 'Siddhalepa' who are into herbal medicine and cosmetics ventures. Therefore, we want to encourage and train rural women to grow herbal plants and our members can buy them. By this, the rural women will have their own business to make an income", she said.

The WCIC which has been helping women in the field of business for 15 years has become a powerful driving force behind women entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka.

The main purpose of this organisation is to help women to set up their own business and to give them a better knowledge in the field of business. Women have the ability to balance different tasks and priorities. In the field of business, the ability to be flexible and adaptable is a distinct advantage these days when everyone is expected to perform many duties, Kulatilake said.

"We have implemented many programs and workshops for women who are in the field of business and who want to get into the business field", she said. The new events and committees include Finance and Administration, International Affairs, Government Ministries, Membership Development, Fundraising, Education and special initiatives, English Project, Publications and Media, Youth and Rural Projects and Business Counselling Clinic.

"Jeanette Miller, a consultant to the Competitiveness Initiative funded by USAID will be working with the Women's Chamber to strengthen the organisation" Kulatilake said. She will conduct a training program on women's entrepreneurship along with other consulting initiatives.

The Government through the Ministry of Women's Affairs should pave the way and provide a safe and conducive environment for women to come forward and play an active role in the social uplift and sustainable development activities in the country, Kulatilake said.

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