The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Signing Ceremony between the University Business Linkages (UBL) of University of Vavuniya and Lanka Impact Investing Network Pvt. Ltd. (LIIN) was held on 24th April 2025 at the IT Centre Board Room, University of Vavuniya. The partnership was established to implement the “GRIT – Empower Pengal” program, aimed at building a gender-responsive entrepreneurial ecosystem and empowering women entrepreneurs in Northern Sri Lanka.
The ceremony included a welcome address, traditional oil lamp lighting, and speeches by Mr. Chandula Abayawikrama (Chairman, LIIN) and Mr. Vishwarth Ganeswardana (General Manager, LIIN), who highlighted the importance of collaboration, innovation, and sustainability. University representatives shared research findings on challenges faced by women entrepreneurs and emphasized the role of technology in entrepreneurship.
Under the MOU, LIIN will support training, mentorship, entrepreneur selection, investment readiness, and organize events such as a Pitch Contest and Emerging Women Summit. The collaboration officially marks the start of a long-term initiative to promote inclusive economic development and strengthen women-led entrepreneurship in the region.
Furthermore, LIIN will offer access to investment opportunities for top-performing entrepreneurs and guide them to advanced platforms such as the “On Eagles Wings” initiative, modeled after the well-known Shark Tank concept. The network will also oversee monitoring and evaluation of the program’s outcomes and ensure the partnership receives appropriate media visibility through social media, events, and publications — with content reviewed and approved by UOV. The signing of the MOU marked the formal beginning of a long-term collaboration aimed at creating meaningful social and economic impact in the region. The discussion concluded with all speakers reaffirming their commitment to work together to empower women entrepreneurs, promote knowledge sharing, and shift the mindset of fear and isolation to one of openness, innovation, and community-driven progress.