Entrepreneurs need empowerment- Tissa Jayaweera

Ramani KANGARAARACHCHI

Entrepreneurs are the driving force of an economy of any country and they need to be empowered sufficiently, Federation of Chambers of Commerce (FCCISL) President Tissa Jayaweera said. Speaking at the Sri Lankan Entrepreneur of the Year 2010 ceremony held at the BMICH on Tuesday, Jayaweera said entrepreneurs are recognized and rewarded for their unbeatable courage, wide scope, specific focus and determination shown towards success. Their perseverance and boldness gave an invaluable support to hold Sri Lanka's economy during the devastating economic meltdown that challenged the world during the past few years and they were daring to sustain the downturn.

HNB Assurance Managing Director Manjula De Silva said recognizing, rewarding and encouraging entrepreneurs is a need of the hour considering the critical -importance of entrepreneurship in charting Sri Lanka's progress to become the next wonder of Asia. Among the four factors of production that help create wealth entrepreneurship ranks ahead of all others as the single factor that directs all other resources to achieve given objectives.

De Silva said the Sri Lankan Entrepreneur of the Year is the highest national awards program dedicated to recognise real entrepreneurial qualities which is unique with its islandwide representation organized by the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry. This award scheme holds a number of awards ceremonies regionally to recognize top entrepreneurs at provincial level. The culmination of this process takes place with the grand finale at which the award for the Sri Lankan Entrepreneur of the Year 2010 is made along with a host of other category awards. Richard Trading Managing Director Richard Jayatissa won the Sri Lankan Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

He received the award from 2008 National Platinum Winner, RN Construction Chairman and MD Ruwan Edirisinghe.