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සිංහල History
History
WCIC is said to be the first women-only trade chamber to be set up anywhere in the world. The Founder Chairperson was Chloe de Soysa.
WCIC, founded in1985 is considered the first women-only trade chamber to be set up anywhere in the world. The Founder Chairperson was Chloe de Soysa.The WCIC’s priority was to harness women’s economic power in the country gaining recognition and improving their lives while stimulating the socio-economic growth.
In its history, WCIC has to its credit many innovative projects such as the Agromart Foundation, Training Course for Women Migrant Workers, Poverty Alleviation Through Entrepreneurship Development, SAARC Chamber Women Entrepreneur Council, South Asian Women’s Economic Network which links leading women’s organizations in South Asia, the Women’s Entrepreneur Awards, Capacity Building Workshops, Financial Literary Programs, Women in Business Trade Fairs, Business English, Empowering War Widows through Chick Farming , Micro Credit Projects, Empowering differently-abled women through training in beauty culture among several others.
WCIC is aligned to organizations such as Federation of Chambers of Commerce of Sri Lanka (FCCISL), SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and NCE, Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Ministry of Labour Relations & Foreign Employment, Ministry of Industries, Export Development Board, Sri Lanka Customs, Employer’s Federation of Ceylon, Society for Corporate Social Responsibility, International Labour Organization (ILO), Project SMED, Sri Lanka Business Development Centre (SLBDC), Sri Lanka National Arbitration Centre, etc.
In its history, WCIC has to its credit many innovative projects such as the Agromart Foundation, Training Course for Women Migrant Workers, Poverty Alleviation Through Entrepreneurship Development, SAARC Chamber Women Entrepreneur Council, South Asian Women’s Economic Network which links leading women’s organizations in South Asia, the Women’s Entrepreneur Awards, Capacity Building Workshops, Financial Literary Programs, Women in Business Trade Fairs, Business English, Empowering War Widows through Chick Farming , Micro Credit Projects, Empowering differently-abled women through training in beauty culture among several others.
WCIC is aligned to organizations such as Federation of Chambers of Commerce of Sri Lanka (FCCISL), SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and NCE, Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Ministry of Labour Relations & Foreign Employment, Ministry of Industries, Export Development Board, Sri Lanka Customs, Employer’s Federation of Ceylon, Society for Corporate Social Responsibility, International Labour Organization (ILO), Project SMED, Sri Lanka Business Development Centre (SLBDC), Sri Lanka National Arbitration Centre, etc.
WCIC, founded in 1985 is considered the first women-only trade chamber to be set up anywhere in the world. The Founder Chairperson was Chloe de Soysa.The WCIC’s priority was to harness women’s economic power in the country gaining recognition and improving their lives while stimulating the socio-economic growth.
WCIC: The Dawn of a New Venture
Inauguration of the World’s First Trade Chamber Exclusively for Women
WCIC commences the WCIC Women Entrepreneur Awards
Inauguration of SAARC Women Entrepreneurs Council (SCWEC)
The SAARC Women Entrepreneurs Council (SCWEC) is primarily dedicated to fostering and promoting entrepreneurial spirit among women. It aims to facilitate their professional and personal growth through networking, education, and training. In doing so, it serves as a driving force for community development.
WCIC’s Digital Presence Expands with New Website Launch
Milestone Achieved with the Conduct of the First Annual General Meeting
Establishes Vocational Centre for Differently Abled Girls at Nuffield School, Jaffna
Implements Micro Credit Project in Mannar District, Empowering Women Entrepreneurs to Enhance Cottage Industries
SCWEC marks the transition of leadership from Pakistan to Sri Lanka, with Rifa Musthapha appointed as the new SWEC Chair.
Rifa Mustapha hosted the SAFA Women Entrepreneur Awards in Sri Lanka, collaborating with WCIC
Adoption of the re-vamped strategic direction of the WCIC
Relaunch of the new identity of the WCIC
Launch of the Women Leadership Forum - Unlocking Her Power
Diriyakathakata - ILO funded training for SME's by WCIC
Commencement of Digital Training Academy with IFC, Supporting Women in Business to Thrive
Women Leadership Forum 2021 - Choose to Challenge
Women Leadership Forum 2022 - Break the Bias for a Better tomorrow
Launch of WCIC PRATHIBHABHISHEKA - WOMEN ENTREPRENEUR AWARDS 2022
Women Leadership Forum 2023 - Empowered Women Empower Sri Lanka
Launches first provincial group of women entrepreneurs in Northern Province
WCIC is said to be the first women-only trade chamber to be set up anywhere in the world. The Founder Chairperson was Chloe de Soysa.
WCIC, founded in1985 is considered the first women-only trade chamber to be set up anywhere in the world. The Founder Chairperson was Chloe de Soysa.The WCIC’s priority was to harness women’s economic power in the country gaining recognition and improving their lives while stimulating the socio-economic growth.
In its history, WCIC has to its credit many innovative projects such as the Agromart Foundation, Training Course for Women Migrant Workers, Poverty Alleviation Through Entrepreneurship Development, SAARC Chamber Women Entrepreneur Council, South Asian Women’s Economic Network which links leading women’s organizations in South Asia, the Women’s Entrepreneur Awards, Capacity Building Workshops, Financial Literary Programs, Women in Business Trade Fairs, Business English, Empowering War Widows through Chick Farming , Micro Credit Projects, Empowering differently-abled women through training in beauty culture among several others.
WCIC is aligned to organizations such as Federation of Chambers of Commerce of Sri Lanka (FCCISL), SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and NCE, Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Ministry of Labour Relations & Foreign Employment, Ministry of Industries, Export Development Board, Sri Lanka Customs, Employer’s Federation of Ceylon, Society for Corporate Social Responsibility, International Labour Organization (ILO), Project SMED, Sri Lanka Business Development Centre (SLBDC), Sri Lanka National Arbitration Centre, etc.
In its history, WCIC has to its credit many innovative projects such as the Agromart Foundation, Training Course for Women Migrant Workers, Poverty Alleviation Through Entrepreneurship Development, SAARC Chamber Women Entrepreneur Council, South Asian Women’s Economic Network which links leading women’s organizations in South Asia, the Women’s Entrepreneur Awards, Capacity Building Workshops, Financial Literary Programs, Women in Business Trade Fairs, Business English, Empowering War Widows through Chick Farming , Micro Credit Projects, Empowering differently-abled women through training in beauty culture among several others.
WCIC is aligned to organizations such as Federation of Chambers of Commerce of Sri Lanka (FCCISL), SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and NCE, Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Ministry of Labour Relations & Foreign Employment, Ministry of Industries, Export Development Board, Sri Lanka Customs, Employer’s Federation of Ceylon, Society for Corporate Social Responsibility, International Labour Organization (ILO), Project SMED, Sri Lanka Business Development Centre (SLBDC), Sri Lanka National Arbitration Centre, etc.
WCIC, founded in 1985 is considered the first women-only trade chamber to be set up anywhere in the world. The Founder Chairperson was Chloe de Soysa.The WCIC’s priority was to harness women’s economic power in the country gaining recognition and improving their lives while stimulating the socio-economic growth.
WCIC: The Dawn of a New Venture
Inauguration of the World’s First Trade Chamber Exclusively for Women
WCIC commences the WCIC Women Entrepreneur Awards
Inauguration of SAARC Women Entrepreneurs Council (SCWEC)
The SAARC Women Entrepreneurs Council (SCWEC) is primarily dedicated to fostering and promoting entrepreneurial spirit among women. It aims to facilitate their professional and personal growth through networking, education, and training. In doing so, it serves as a driving force for community development.
WCIC’s Digital Presence Expands with New Website Launch
Milestone Achieved with the Conduct of the First Annual General Meeting
Establishes Vocational Centre for Differently Abled Girls at Nuffield School, Jaffna
WCIC set up a vocational Centre for the differently abled girls of Nuffield School for the Deaf and Blind, Jaffna, who successfully completed the training in Beauty Culture and Hairdressing techniques.
Implements Micro Credit Project in Mannar District, Empowering Women Entrepreneurs to Enhance Cottage Industries
A micro credit project was implemented in the Mannar District by providing loans to small scale women entrepreneurs to upgrade their cottage industries.
SCWEC marks the transition of leadership from Pakistan to Sri Lanka
WCIC unveils its refreshed logo and brand
Rifa Mustapha hosted the SAFA Women Entrepreneur Awards in Sri Lanka, collaborating with WCIC
Creation of the Strategic Direction for the WCIC
Relaunch of the new identity of the WCIC
Relaunch of the Women Leadership program - Unlocking Her Power
Diriyakathakata - ILO funded training for SME's by WCIC
Revamped newsletter commences
Women Leadership Forum - Choose to Challenge
Women Leadership Forum - Break the Bias for a Better tomorrow
Re Launch of WCIC PRATHIBHABHISHEKA - WOMEN ENTREPRENEUR AWARDS 2022
Commences Training Academy with IFC, Supporting Women in Business to Thrive
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) in collaboration with Women's Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) commenced a Training Academy Supporting #Womeninbiz to thrive.
Women Leadership Forum - Empowered Women Empower Sri Lanka
Launches first provincial group of women entrepreneurs in Northern Province
A new group of women entrepreneurs was formed in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, with the support of WCIC and OAV Miriam Herger and Kimora Klug. Jaruza Jayachandran, a local entrepreneur and WCIC member, will lead the group.
Founder Members
Founder Members
First Governing Board - 1985
- Chloe de Soysa
- Beula Munasinghe
- Karuna de Silva
- Lakshmi S Wijeratne
- Carmel Goonathilleke
- Maya Senanayake
- Priyani Tennekoon
- Ranjanie Manuelpillai
- Nirmala de Mel
- Ms. Lakshmi G.Perera
Original Founder Members whose financial contribution as membership fee enabled the WCIC to set up a fund which was then supported by Asia Foundation & United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
- Joan Forbes
- Mano Muthukrishna
- Ramola Sivasundaram
- Janet Balasuriya
- Nalini Ellawala
- Barbara Sansoni
- Nayomi Fernando
- Chandra Madanayake
- Surangani Gunasinghe
- Pushpa Padmaperuma
- Chole De Soysa 1985 / 1986
- Beulah Moonesinghe 1986 / 1988
- Nirmala De Mel 1988 / 1991
- Maya Senanyake 1991 / 1992
- Ranee Ratnayake 1992 / 1993
- Manel Thirmavithana 1993 / 1994
- Suriyakanthi Mellawa 1994 / 1995
- Janaki Gunawardena 1995 / 1996
- SitaYahampath 1996 / 1998
- Yvette De Silva 1998 / 2001
- Daya Jayaratne 2001 / 2002
- Indira Kulatilake 2002 / 2005
- Rezani Aziz 2005 / 2006
- Ramya Weerakoon 2006 / 2009
- Vidyani Hettigoda 2009 / 2012
- Saroshi Dubash 2012 / 2014
- Rifa Musthapha 2014 / 2017
- Chathuri Ranasinghe 2017 / 2020
- Indrani Fernando 2020 / 2021
- Chole De Soysa 1985 / 1986
- Beulah Moonesinghe 1986 / 1988
- Nirmala De Mel 1988 / 1991
- Maya Senanyake 1991 / 1992
- Ranee Ratnayake 1992 / 1993
- Manel Thirmavithana 1993 / 1994
- Suriyakanthi Mellawa 1994 / 1995
- Janaki Gunawardena 1995 / 1996
- SitaYahampath 1996 / 1998
- Yvette De Silva 1998 / 2001
- Daya Jayaratne 2001 / 2002
- Indira Kulatilake 2002 / 2005
- Rezani Aziz 2005 / 2006
- Ramya Weerakoon 2006 / 2009
- Vidyani Hettigoda 2009 / 2012
- Saroshi Dubash 2012 / 2014
- Rifa Musthapha 2014 / 2017
- Chathuri Ranasinghe 2017 / 2020
- Indrani Fernando 2020 / 2021
Past Chairpersons
First Governing Board - 1985
- Chloe de Soysa
- Beula Munasinghe
- Karuna de Silva
- Lakshmi S Wijeratne
- Carmel Goonathilleke
- Maya Senanayake
- Priyani Tennekoon
- Ranjanie Manuelpillai
- Nirmala de Mel
- Ms. Lakshmi G.Perera
Original Founder Members whose financial contribution as membership fee enabled the WCIC to set up a fund which was then supported by Asia Foundation & United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
- Joan Forbes
- Mano Muthukrishna
- Ramola Sivasundaram
- Janet Balasuriya
- Nalini Ellawala
- Barbara Sansoni
- Nayomi Fernando
- Chandra Madanayake
- Surangani Gunasinghe
- Pushpa Padmaperuma
- Chole De Soysa 1985 / 1986
- Beulah Moonesinghe 1986 / 1988
- Nirmala De Mel 1988 / 1991
- Maya Senanyake 1991 / 1992
- Ranee Ratnayake 1992 / 1993
- Manel Thirmavithana 1993 / 1994
- Suriyakanthi Mellawa 1994 / 1995
- Janaki Gunawardena 1995 / 1996
- SitaYahampath 1996 / 1998
- Yvette De Silva 1998 / 2001
- Daya Jayaratne 2001 / 2002
- Indira Kulatilake 2002 / 2005
- Rezani Aziz 2005 / 2006
- Ramya Weerakoon 2006 / 2009
- Vidyani Hettigoda 2009 / 2012
- Saroshi Dubash 2012 / 2014
- Rifa Musthapha 2014 / 2017
- Chathuri Ranasinghe 2017 / 2020
- Indrani Fernando 2020 / 2021
- Chole De Soysa 1985 / 1986
- Beulah Moonesinghe 1986 / 1988
- Nirmala De Mel 1988 / 1991
- Maya Senanyake 1991 / 1992
- Ranee Ratnayake 1992 / 1993
- Manel Thirmavithana 1993 / 1994
- Suriyakanthi Mellawa 1994 / 1995
- Janaki Gunawardena 1995 / 1996
- SitaYahampath 1996 / 1998
- Yvette De Silva 1998 / 2001
- Daya Jayaratne 2001 / 2002
- Indira Kulatilake 2002 / 2005
- Rezani Aziz 2005 / 2006
- Ramya Weerakoon 2006 / 2009
- Vidyani Hettigoda 2009 / 2012
- Saroshi Dubash 2012 / 2014
- Rifa Musthapha 2014 / 2017
- Chathuri Ranasinghe 2017 / 2020
- Indrani Fernando 2020 / 2021
Past Chairpersons
