Gayani de Alwis at the helm of Women’s Chamber of Industry & Commerce (WCIC) for the 2nd year
* Board of Management for 2025/2026 announced at the 40th AGM on the 25th of September, 2025 (Colombo)
The Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce conducted its 40th Annual General Meeting on the 25th of September, with Gayani De Alwis commencing her second term as Chairperson for the period 2025/2026, as per the constitution of the WCIC.
Addressing the AGM, de Alwis pledged her commitment to driving the WCIC vision to be the ‘think tank’ voice and the ‘platform’ empowering women to be powerful nation builders by participating in transforming economic growth of the country.
“Over the past four decades of our trailblazing journey, WCIC has evolved into a think tank, voice and a platform for women in business, fostering an inclusive environment where women entrepreneurs can thrive.
“We have witnessed remarkable growth and transformation in our journey through encouraging participation, creating opportunities, removing barriers to build sustainable businesses along the way,” she said speaking on the WCIC’s 40-year journey at the AGM held at Jetwing Colombo Seven.
She shared that the WCIC as the National Chamber for Women in Business, collaborates with all Chambers and has partnerships with likeminded organizations with similar objectives. These initiatives allow the Chamber members to benefit from efforts across all such organization.
WCIC during the year championed our three flagship properties which has clearly defined objectives and deliverables. WCIC Prathibhabisheka – Women Entrepreneur Awards 2024, which recognize and rewards outstanding women entrepreneurs across the country and the SAARC region, WCIC Women Leadership Forum – which deliberates on pertinent topics relevant to women in business and shares unique knowledge and learning opportunity, WCIC RampUp – The fashion show providing opportunity for entrepreneurs in the fashion business to showcase their products on the ramp and to become export ready.
De Alwis concluded her speech by thanking the Past Chairpersons and members for their presence and the Pillar Leads for their dedicated voluntary service and appreciating the outgoing Board Members contribution to the WCIC.
Gracing the post event as Chief Guest was Mano Sekaram, Founder and Chairman of 99x Technology, who shared insights on the importance of entrepreneurships and particularly start-ups.
“In comparison to large-scale businesses, SMEs are the ones that really create job opportunities”.
“While SMEs are good for the economy, Start-ups are the disruptors of the market,” he said.
As an Investor, he encouraged the setting up of more start-ups to grow the country’s economy even further.
The post AGM sessions was attended by invitees from the National Chambers, Banks and business community.
The Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce is the premier organization supporting Entrepreneurs and professional businesswomen. With a well-structured Board of Management and Pillar teams and Leaders with dedicated responsibility the organization focuses on achieving its detailed objectives with a clearly defined strategic plan, as well as a plan in to action. The membership is open to women who believe they can contribute to society as well as benefit from the many facilities the organization creates for further information
Caption: New Board of Management for 2025/26 of WCIC
Board picture to be included
Standing from Left: Shabiya Ali Ahlam, Krishnajina Rajapathirane, Zahara Ansary, Chitranjali Dissanayake (CEO), Zahra Cader, Eranthi Premaratne, Wathsala Wickramanayake.
Seated from Left: Oshadhi Somasinghe, Tehani Mathew, Tusitha Kumarakulasingam, Gayani de Alwis (Chairperson), Ramani Ponnambalam, Nilani Seneviratne, Renuka Senanayake
Absent – Naushalya Rajapakse, Sarrah Sammoon
Contact the WCIC Secretariat – 0766848080
