Diva, the leading and trusted laundry brand from Hemas Consumer Brands in collaboration with Women in Management (WIM), continues to uplift and empower women entrepreneurs across Sri Lanka with its ‘Diva Dathata Diriyak Entrepreneurial Skills Development Programme’. The winners of the North Central Province, Anuradhapura programme, were felicitated at a recent, grand award ceremony held at the Nuwaragam Palatha Central Divisional Secretariat, Anuradhapura.
Since its inception, the ‘Diva Dathata Diriyak Entrepreneurial Skills Development Programme’, has empowered and made a significant impact on the lives of over 400 women entrepreneurs across multiple provinces across the island including North Western, Northern, Southern, Uva, Central & North Central Provinces. The programme not only provided these aspiring entrepreneurs with comprehensive training and knowledge, but also extended financial support to over 20 businesses, helping women entrepreneurs strengthen their ventures and contribute meaningfully to their communities
Upon completion of the Training Sessions of Diva Daathata Diriyak Entrepreneurial Skills Development Programme, it monitors the progress and potential of each participant and incentivises women entrepreneurs who excel and secure top positions upon completion of the evaluations. Women entrepreneurs are assessed through a thorough evaluation process which included criteria such as business registration, accounting & bookkeeping, employment provided to other ladies, improvement in monthly sales, packaging & branding, new customer acquisition and innovative initiatives.
After assessing the advancement of the participants of the programme, several exceptional women entrepreneurs emerged as winners. Each of them was recognised and awarded with financial aid to help bolster their capital and elevate their businesses to the next level. In first place, was owner of “Soba Bathik” – Mrs. L S K Pavithree Yashoda, engaging in Bathik Dressmaking with natural colours. In second place was the owner of “NRK Handicraft” – Mrs. R M N K Rathnayake engaging in decorative Pan bagmaking. The third place was shared by the owner of “Thili Fashions” – Mrs. Thilini Dhananjani Kulatunga, engaging in dressmaking and the owner of “White Guest House” – Mrs. Bagya Priyadharshani Dissanayake running a Home Stay. In fourth place was the owner of “Anjana Flora” – Mrs. M Ruwani Matiwalage, engaging in cultivating water plants. These winners were also supported by the respective Divisional Secretarial Offices, and Women in Management, which underscored the collaborative effort to support women-led businesses.
Speaking at the event, Namal Fernando, Category Manager – Home Care, stated, “Diva believes in empowering Sri Lankan women by providing them with the skills, knowledge, and financial assistance needed to realize their entrepreneurial dreams. We are proud to witness the positive impact this program has had on so many lives, and we remain committed to continuing this journey of empowerment.”
Over the years, Diva has evolved into much more than just a household laundry brand. It is a brand that not only stands by its consumers during challenging times, but also as a brand that recognises their needs and addresses them effectively. Through this programme, Diva reinforces its purpose-driven approach to ensure that women entrepreneurs across the island receive the resources they need to thrive.
The success of the Diva Dathata Diriyak Entrepreneurial Skills Development Programme is a true testament to Diva’s commitment to fostering economic independence among women. As this initiative continues to grow from strength to strength, it promises to uplift more women entrepreneurs, strengthen small businesses and create a lasting impact on Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurial landscape.
About Hemas Consumer
Hemas Consumer Brands, a leader in Sri Lanka’s Home and Personal Care sector for 60 years, focuses on empowering families to aspire for a better tomorrow. The business takes pride in utilising local insights to innovate and develop consumer centric propositions that have helped establish their purpose led brands as trusted household names in Sri Lanka. Driven by its deep understanding of the Sri Lankan consumer and an unwavering commitment to delivering superior quality and value through its products, Hemas Consumer Brands continues to enrich the lives of communities across the country.