Otara recognised at Asia Retail Congress

Chief Executive Officer of ODEL, Otara Gunewardene was awarded the prestigious "Retail Leadership Award" at the recently held Asia Retail Congress in India. The congress - one of Asia's most renowned platforms to promote world-class retail practices - brings together, at a forum, the company chairs, Presidents and CEOs from leading international and national retailers.

The congress is widely reputed to be a stage for those that believe in making a change in the world retail sector. Held in Mumbai, this year's congress focused on the theme of "Strategies and Solutions for Business Innovation and Transformation".

Their decision to bestow the esteemed "Retail Leadership Award" to Sri Lanka's most prominent and renowned business woman, highlights Ms Gunewardene's illustrious career in the retail sector, while also recognises the immense growth that ODEL has seen since its inception as a one store operation.

Starting her career just over 15 years ago, Ms. Gunewardene had swiftly became one of the country's most celebrated business personalities. Her success story in building the ODEL brand as a fashion empire has become an inspirational story for many budding retail entrepreneurs.

Ms. Gunewardene expressed that it was an honour to receive this prestigious award from such an esteemed panel of business personalities. She added, "It is not only a significant achievement for myself, but also to those who have put in so much hard work and dedication to make ODEL not just a fashion brand, but a Sri Lankan icon as well."

Through ODEL, Ms. Gunewardene has also championed a number of environmental and charity causes.

She has helped tsunami, victims planting of trees and also the cleaning of the Bundala National Park.