The University of Vavuniya successfully hosted the World Entrepreneurs’ Day and Emerging Entrepreneurs Summit 2026 on 24 October 2026. It took place at the Auditorium of its Park Road premises in Vavuniya. In addition, students of the University’s External Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management (ESBM) programme organised the summit. It was held under the theme “From Innovation to Sustainable Growth: Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs.”
The event was conducted under the leadership of Senior Professor A Arputharajah, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Vavuniya. Moreover, Mr P Sasitharan, Programme Coordinator of the ESBM programme, coordinated it. It brought together entrepreneurs, academics, industry professionals, government officials, and other stakeholders. They gathered to exchange knowledge and explore business opportunities. They also discussed strategies for strengthening entrepreneurship and sustainable enterprise development in Northern Sri Lanka.
The summit featured distinguished guests, a keynote address, expert panel discussions, cultural performances, and a recognition ceremony. As a result, it provided a valuable platform to promote innovation and facilitate access to finance. Moreover, it encouraged investment and strengthened business networks.
The Chief Guest was Mrs Shanthi Bhagirathan, Founder and Director of the Sun Nova Tech Foundation. Mr C Krishnendran, Provincial Director of the Department of Industries, Northern Province, participated as a Special Guest. Similarly, Mr Raj Janan, President of Sakti Argo, participated as a Special Guest. Senior Professor V Kanagasingam, former Vice-Chancellor of Eastern University, Sri Lanka, delivered the keynote address. Finally, Mr T Sureshkumar, Founder and Managing Director of Craftory, attended as a Guest of Honour. Mr T Thavarasa, Founder and Managing Director of Dayana Plastic, also attended as a Guest of Honour.
A Colourful Welcome and Cultural Celebration
First, the distinguished guests received a warm welcome with a band performance by students of Saiva Prakasa Ladies’ College, Vavuniya. Next, the guests entered the auditorium, where they received traditional garlands.
Then, the proceedings commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the traditional oil lamp, symbolising knowledge, prosperity, and new beginnings. This was followed by a welcome dance performed by students of Rambukulam Maha Vidyalayam, Vavuniya.
A highlight of the cultural programme was a drama titled “Overcoming Challenges to Achieve Success.” It was presented by students of the fourth batch of the ESBM programme. The performance portrayed the challenges entrepreneurs encounter in establishing and developing their businesses. It also emphasised the importance of perseverance, self-confidence, resilience, and determination in achieving success. Students performed another dance that further enriched the occasion. In addition, the dance celebrated the cultural diversity of the region.
First Panel Discussion: Empowering Emerging Entrepreneurs
The first expert panel discussion was conducted under the theme “Empowering Emerging Entrepreneurs: Access to Finance, Innovation, Investment and Market Opportunities.”
Professor Y Nanthagopan, former Dean of the Faculty of Business Studies, University of Vavuniya, chaired the session.
The panel comprised the following distinguished experts:
- Dr A Rukshan, Director of the Knowledge and Technology Transfer Office, University of Vavuniya.
- Mr R Balakumar, Regional Business Development Manager – Northern Region, Cargills Ceylon PLC.
- Dr (Mrs) J Nimalan, Director of the VALID Centre, University of Vavuniya.
- Mrs Bahirathi Senthilmarran, Regional Manager – Northern Region, Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
- Mrs Mathangi Selvarajah, Director of the GATE Institute, Sri Lanka.
The discussion explored the challenges faced by emerging entrepreneurs in accessing finance. It also explored their challenges in transforming innovative ideas into commercially viable enterprises and identifying investment opportunities. Moreover, it explored their challenges in expanding markets for their products and services.
The panellists emphasised the importance of financial literacy, effective business planning, and innovation. In addition, they emphasised technology transfer, product development, market access, and institutional support in building competitive and sustainable enterprises. They also highlighted the need to strengthen connections between entrepreneurs and financial institutions, universities, business development organisations, and other support agencies.
The session offered valuable insights into how emerging entrepreneurs can overcome barriers to business growth. It also showed how they can make informed investment decisions and capitalise on available opportunities to develop sustainable enterprises.
Second Panel Discussion: Shaping the Future of Entrepreneurship in Northern Sri Lanka
The second expert panel discussion was held under the theme “Shaping the Future of Entrepreneurship in Northern Sri Lanka.” The session focused on institutional support, digital transformation, emerging business opportunities, and strategies for building entrepreneurial resilience.
Mrs S Mathivathany, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Project Management, Faculty of Business Studies, University of Vavuniya, chaired the discussion.
The panel members were:
- Mr S Tharmendra, Regional Director, Regional Department of Industries, Northern Province.
- Mrs Pramiya Dineshkumar, Assistant Divisional Secretary, Oddusuddan Divisional Secretariat.
- Mrs P Kalpana, Managing Director of Whites Roan and Sinvon Bakers, Vavuniya.
- Mr S Arivalagan, Mentor and Master Trainer.
- Mr K Vasantharoopan, Industrial Development Officer, Vavuniya District Secretariat.
- Mr N Kapilnath, Senior Journalist.
The panellists examined the practical challenges confronting entrepreneurs in Northern Sri Lanka. They also discussed how government institutions, development agencies, business support organisations, and private-sector stakeholders could contribute to enterprise development.
Key areas of discussion included digital technology adoption and access to business development services. Moreover, key areas included institutional assistance for small and medium-sized enterprises and the identification of emerging market opportunities. Finally, key areas included entrepreneurship skills development and strategies for maintaining business continuity and long-term growth.
The discussion underscored the importance of stronger institutional collaboration and improved access to technical and business advisory services. Similarly, it underscored the adoption of appropriate technologies and the development of resilient business models. The contributions of entrepreneurs and industry professionals also provided participants with practical perspectives on navigating business challenges and responding to changing market conditions.
Overall, the session reinforced the need for a collaborative entrepreneurial ecosystem in Northern Sri Lanka. In this ecosystem, universities, government agencies, development institutions, the private sector, media professionals, and entrepreneurs work together. Together, they create opportunities for sustainable economic development.
Recognising Entrepreneurial Contributions and Achievements
Recognising the contributions of individuals who support entrepreneurship development was another important feature of the summit.
Chief Guest Mrs Shanthi Bhagirathan, Vice-Chancellor Senior Professor A Arputharajah, and ESBM Programme Coordinator Mr P Sasitharan received commemorative mementos. Moreover, the mementos recognised their participation, valuable contributions, and support for the event.
This recognition segment reflected the organisers’ appreciation of entrepreneurial leadership and institutional commitment. Moreover, the segment reflected their appreciation of collaborative efforts to promote innovation and business development. It also highlighted the importance of acknowledging individuals who contribute to creating an enabling environment for emerging entrepreneurs.
Promoting Collaboration and Sustainable Business Growth
The summit aimed to recognise and encourage emerging entrepreneurs. It also aimed to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and practical experiences. In addition, it aimed to connect participants with industry experts and institutional representatives. Finally, it aimed to inspire the development of innovative business ventures.
The event followed the motto “Connect • Learn • Innovate • Grow.” It provided a platform for strengthening entrepreneurial awareness and encouraging creative thinking. Moreover, it promoted collaboration and explored pathways towards sustainable business development in Northern Sri Lanka.
Students of the University of Vavuniya’s ESBM programme organised the summit. As a result, it demonstrated the value of student-led initiatives in bringing together academia, industry, government institutions, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders. They aimed to address regional business development challenges.
Through its expert discussions, knowledge-sharing opportunities, and cultural activities, the event highlighted the importance of combining academic knowledge and professional expertise. Moreover, it stressed combining institutional support and entrepreneurial initiative to build a stronger and more inclusive business environment.
The World Entrepreneurs’ Day and Emerging Entrepreneurs Summit 2026 marked a meaningful step towards empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs. It also marked a step towards strengthening business networks, fostering innovation, and supporting sustainable economic growth in Northern Sri Lanka. Finally, it reaffirmed the importance of collaborative action in transforming entrepreneurial ideas into viable enterprises and creating new opportunities for regional development.
