The Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) recently concluded the Prathibhabisheka Award Ceremony which recognized and rewarded outstanding women in Sri Lanka and the SAARC region. The awards were given to honour women entrepreneurs for their tenacity to scale and grow, and for their contribution and impact on the economy. 

The WCIC was established in 1985 by a group of entrepreneurs with a visionary mindset. Even though they were successful in their own business ventures, they established this organisation with hopes that it would be a pivotal force in leveraging women entrepreneurs into business activities, thereby encouraging women to contribute to the economy. 

The list of winners for 2022 is as follows : 

Best Entrepreneur (Western Province) – Dr. Chandanamali Punchihewa, Genelabs Medical (Pvt) Ltd
Best Entrepreneur (Southern Province) – Manori Jayathilake, Green Herbal Products (Pvt) Ltd
Best Entrepreneur (Central Province) – Manoji Wadugodapitiya, Pams Hydro (Pvt) Ltd
Best Entrepreneur (Sabaragamuwa Province) – O. R Manjula Janaki, Sakura Products and Export (Pvt) Ltd
Best Entrepreneur ( North Central Province) – Sunethra Kumari Karunaratne, Oshadhi Beauty Salon
Best Entrepreneur (Northern Province) – Kohilathevi Asokumar, Kobithan Garments (Pvt) Ltd
Best Entrepreneur (Eastern Province) – Mohamed Shareef Vijitha, Dhuniya Sweet Centre
Best Entrepreneur (North Western Province) – Isha Wimalasuriya Wijeyaratnam, Eco Serene Biotech (Pvt) Ltd
Best Entrepreneur (UVA Province) – Randee Disanayake, Rande Super Food (Pvt) Ltd

Awards for Start-Up category
Award of Recognition – W. A Prabhani Nisansala, Chamu Bags
Bronze Award – Lasni Silva, Spice Carriage (Pvt) Ltd 
Silver Award – Fazla Fahim Meyen, Edutoys (Pvt) Ltd
Gold Award – J. S Ruwini Jayarathne, Ruwini Jayarathne Jewellery

Awards for Micro Category
Award of Recognition – Krishanti Perera, The Barkery
Award of Recognition – Tara Kumara, The Ballet School of Colombo (Pvt) Ltd
Bronze Award – A. K. G Ayesha Imali, Kavum Kokis.com (Pvt) Ltd 
Silver Award – Anusha Warnakula, Susinidu Baby Care Products
Gold Award – Wasantha P Gunaratne, Priyadi Nature Food Products (Pvt) Ltd 

Awards for Small Category
Award of Recognition – Manori Jayathilaka, Green Herbal Products (Pvt) Ltd 
Award of Recognition- Kohilathevi Asokumar, Kobithan Garments (Pvt) Ltd 
Bronze Award- O. R Manjula Janaki, Sakura Products and Export (Pvt) Ltd 
Silver Award - Isha Wimalasuriya Wijeyaratnam, Eco Serene Biotech (Pvt) Ltd
Gold Award- Chamika Wickremesinghe, Canvas (Pvt) Ltd

Awards for Medium Category 
Award of Recognition – Thushari Weerakoon, Ramya Horticulture (Pvt) Ltd 
Award of Recognition- Sunanda Weerasinghe, Sujan International (Pvt) Ltd 
Award of Recognition- Shanthini Ahangama, Coconut Miracle (Pvt ) Ltd 
Bronze Award – K. W. K Rajika Priyangani, Dickwella Hiru Fashion (Pvt) Ltd 
Silver Award - Manoji Wadugodapitiya, Pams Hydro (Pvt) Ltd
Gold Award – Prof. Thushari Koralage, Giggles Educational Services (Pvt) Ltd

Awards for Large Category
Award of Recognition – Nishani Fernando, Manisha Exports (Pvt) Ltd
Award of Recognition – Mazeena Deen, Elegant Smockers (Pvt) Ltd 
Bronze Award – Dr. Shanika Arsecularatne, Cristell Skin Clinic (Pvt) Ltd 
Silver Award – Denum Nimanthi Saparamadu, OKI International (Pvt) Ltd
Silver Award – Tania Polonnowita Wettimuny, IAS Holdings (Pvt) Ltd 
Gold Award - Dr. Chandanamali Punchihewa, Genelabs Medical (Pvt) Ltd

Awards for the SAARC Region
Award of Recognition – Atena Hashemi, Pawli Designs/Henna Beauty and Wellness Complex, Afghanistan 
Bronze Award – Dr. Sujata Seshadrinathan, Basiz Fund Service Pvt Ltd, India
Silver Award – Usharani Manne, Polmon Instruments Pvt. Ltd, India
Gold Award – Dr. Prativa Pandey, Herveda Botanicals Pvt Ltd, Nepal
The Woman Entrepreneur - Dr. Prativa Pandey, Herveda Botanicals Pvt Ltd, Nepal

Woman Entrepreneur of the Year 2022
Dr. Chandanamali Punchihewa, Genelabs Medical (Pvt) Ltd

Young Woman Entrepreneur of the Year 
Vindya Roshani Perera, Brilliant Cuts (Pvt) Ltd

The Outstanding Start-Up of the Year 
Isha Wimalasuriya Wijeyaratnam, Eco Serene Biotech (Pvt) Ltd

Woman of Courage 2022
J. S Ruwini Jayarathne, Ruwini Jayarathne Jewellery

The Most Outstanding Export-Oriented Woman Entrepreneur- Product 
Nishani Fernando, Manisha Exports (Pvt) Ltd

The Most Outstanding Export-Oriented Woman Entrepreneur – Services 
Tania Polonnowita Wettimuny, IAS Holdings (Pvt) Ltd