In Collaboration with Kaleidoscope with Savithri Rodrigo

Amari Colombo proudly unveils “Catalysts of Change,” a transformative two-week initiative dedicated to empowering women, celebrating their achievements, and driving meaningful conversations on gender parity across industries.

Pictured: Savithri Rodrigo

Set within the stylish and contemporary spaces of Amari Colombo, Catalysts of Change is more than just a theme—it is a powerful call to progress. Bringing together trailblazers from hospitality, travel and tourism, aviation, shipping, foreign affairs, women’s migration, and apparel, the initiative fosters dialogue, collaboration, and actionable strategies to accelerate gender equality.

“We are thrilled to host ‘Catalysts of Change’ in Colombo, a city where the momentum for women’s empowerment is stronger than ever,” said Indika Jayawardena, Hotel Manager of Amari Colombo. “This initiative aligns seamlessly with Amari’s ethos, creating a platform for impactful conversations that inspire real change.”

By hosting Accelerate Action within Amari Colombo’s boutique-inspired spaces, the initiative not only provides an aspirational environment but also fosters inclusivity and empowerment, reinforcing the Amari brand’s commitment to advancing gender parity.

Key Events & Activations

17th March – Dining for Change
Theme: Empowering Women in Sri Lanka’s Hospitality Industry: Accelerating Corporate Action & Inspiring Lasting Change Venue: Saffira Ballroom Time: 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM | Panel Discussion 7:00 PM onwards | Three-Course Dinner (Ends by 9:00 PM)
Panelists:
Mr. Chalana Perera – Founder, RETRACE Hospitality
Mr. Maxime Wickramasinghe – Thema Collection’s Director, leading Amba Yaalu, Sri Lanka’s first all-women-led resort
Ms. Shiromal Cooray – Chairperson & Managing Director, Jetwing Travels Pvt Ltd.
Ms. Nayantara Fonseka – Chairman/Managing Director, Nyne Hotels & Taru i.e.
Ms. Dilmini Weragama – Group CEO, Rockland Distilleries Pvt Ltd.
Moderated by Mrs. Savithri Rodrigo

24th March – The Accelerator’s Summit & Closing Night
A powerful evening of thought-provoking conversations championing gender equality in traditionally male-dominated industries.
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:45 PM | Followed by Dinner at Ahara
Summit Structure:
Panel 1: Aviation – Breaking Stereotypes (5:30 – 6:10 PM)
Panelists:
Flight Operations – F/O Harshani Wijayasinghe, First Officer At SriLankan Airlines
Engineering – Lasanthi Chathurika, Licensed Aircraft Engineer at SriLankan Airlines
Cabin Services – Rukshika Senevirathne, Senior Inflight Service Executive at SriLankan Airlines
IT – Shalani Kumarajeewa, Business Intelligence & Analytics Manager at SriLankan Airlines
Panel 2: Foreign Affairs – Diplomacy & Women’s Participation (6:20 – 7:00 PM)
Ms. Sashikala Premawardhane – Director General, Southeast and Central Asia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Panel 3: Women Migration – Empowering Migrant Women (7:15 – 7:45 PM)
Dr. Bilesha Weeraratne – Head of Migration & Urbanisation Policy Research, Institute of Policy Studies (IPS)
Panel 4: Shipping – Women in Leadership (7:45 – 8:05 PM)
Shehara De Silva – Managing Director, McLarens Shipping
Swabha Wickramasinghe – Chairperson, SLANA & Worldlink Shipping Colombo
Panel 5: Apparel – Inclusion & Innovation (8:05 – 8:25 PM)
Ms. Rajitha Jayasuriya – Director Corporate Affairs, MAS Holdings
Interactive Q&A & Closing Remarks (8:25 – 8:45 PM)

Additionally, the Vibe Market in the Foyer will feature sustainable, women-led brands such as Linen Atelier, Healing Island, and Made by Her.