Reinforces commitment to promoting entrepreneurship and inclusive growth in Sri Lanka

Reiterating its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and furthering inclusive growth through digital innovation in Sri Lanka, Mastercard collaborated with the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) to power the Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2024. Organized from 18-24 November, GEW featured over 200 events and activities for entrepreneurs across all 25 districts in the country.

Global Entrepreneurship Week is an annual event that unites over 10 million participants, 40,000 activities and 20,000 partners in more than 200 countries. As one of the largest global event series for entrepreneurship, it serves as a platform for entrepreneurs, educators, policymakers, and innovators to collective chalk out a growth path for the future.

With the theme of ‘Entrepreneurship is for Everyone’, the initiative saw active participation from key stakeholders, including Suresh de Mel, GEW Ambassador, ICTA representatives Sachindra Samararatne, Associate Chief Digital Economy Officer, Harsha Purasinghe, Board Member, along with Jiffry Zulfer, Founder and CEO, PickMe.

Speaking at the event, Sandun Hapugoda, Country Manager, Sri Lanka and Maldives, Mastercard, said “Entrepreneurship is more than just starting a business venture. It’s about creating sustainable solutions that support economic growth and societal progress. Mastercard is committed to leveraging its expertise to drive an inclusive digital economy in Sri Lanka. Empowering small and women entrepreneurs and MSMEs is an integral part of that commitment.”

Abith Latiff, GEW Program Director, ICT Agency of Sri Lanka, added, “Global Entrepreneurship Week 2024 is testament to the power of collaboration and shared vision, and we are grateful to Mastercard, the main sponsor. Mastercard’s unparalleled commitment and steadfast support elevated the event and touched the lives of countless aspiring entrepreneurs nationwide. Mastercard’s collaboration was a pillar of hope, inspiration, and opportunity that fueled GEW 2024’s success.”

The Global Entrepreneurship Week also presents an opportunity for domestic startups to showcase their innovation and enroll in programs like Mastercard Start Path. Currently active in over 50 countries, the Start Path program is designed to help startups access strategic partnerships, co-innovation opportunities and engagement with Mastercard.

Image Caption- (L-R) - Suresh de Mel - GEW Ambassador, Sandun Hapugoda - Country Manager, Sri Lanka and Maldives, Harsha Purasinghe - Board Member ICTA and Founder - WSO2 Mobile and multiple Tech Enterprises, Sachindra Samararatne - Associate Chief Digital Economy Officer Information Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka.