Sri Lanka to Host First-Ever Fashion Week Dedicated to Women Entrepreneurs in South Asia
The Ceylon Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs (CCWE) officially announced the CCWE Fashion Week & International Summit 2026 at a press conference held in Colombo, unveiling a historic national initiative that will mark the first-ever fashion week in Sri Lanka and the South Asian region dedicated exclusively to women entrepreneurs. Held under the theme “Threads of Inclusion Woven from Every Walk of Life,” the event is scheduled to take place from 16th to 20th July 2026 at Cinnamon Life, Colombo, positioning Sri Lanka at the forefront of inclusive and sustainable fashion while creating a powerful platform for economic and social transformation.
This landmark initiative goes beyond fashion to create meaningful social and economic impact by empowering women entrepreneurs across diverse communities, industries, and regions. By bringing together designers, artisans, SMEs, policymakers, investors, development partners, and international stakeholders, the platform aims to create market access, strengthen financial inclusion, promote sustainable livelihoods, and foster regional collaboration across South Asia. The summit is expected to support women-led enterprises, encourage youth participation in the creative economy, and position Sri Lanka as a regional hub for inclusive entrepreneurship and sustainable fashion.
Supported by a strong network of public and private sector partners, the initiative is spearheaded by Hatton National Bank (HNB) as the Title Sponsor and United Nations ESCAP Subregional Office for South and South-West Asia as Knowledge Partner reflectints a collective commitment toward advancing women’s economic empowerment and inclusive national development.
Speaking at the press conference, Dr. Ayanthi Gurusinghe, President of CCWE and Chairperson of the Fashion Week, stated, “Today we are announcing more than an event—we are introducing a national movement that will transform the way women entrepreneurs are seen and supported in Sri Lanka. This platform is designed to open doors for women from every walk of life, enabling them to convert talent into enterprise, gain access to markets, and contribute meaningfully to the economy. Through this initiative, Sri Lanka has the opportunity to lead the region in building a future where inclusion meets opportunity and equality.”
HNB, Managing Director / CEO, Mr. Damith Pallewatte, added, “For over 138 years, HNB has stood as a constant in Sri Lanka’s journey forward, and supporting women entrepreneurs is central to how we continue that legacy. This initiative creates a platform where women can access markets, build sustainable businesses, and contribute meaningfully to national economic development. When women are empowered with the right access and support, the impact extends to families, communities, and the broader economy. Our decision to serve as Title Sponsor is driven by our commitment to enabling that access and supporting pathways for long-term growth through financial inclusion and enterprise development.”
Extending regional support, Mrs. Premila Acharya, President of the South Asian Women Development Forum (SAWDF), shared her support online, stating, “The CCWE Fashion Week & International Summit 2026 is a landmark initiative that reflects the strength and potential of women entrepreneurs across our region. It is inspiring to see Sri Lanka take the lead in creating a platform where inclusion, opportunity, and equality come together. SAWDF is proud to stand in partnership with CCWE in empowering women through collaboration and shared progress.”
Highlighting achievements The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific Subregional Office for South and South-West (ESCAP-SSWA) as Knowledge Partner Ms. Mikiko Tanaka, Head and Director noted “ESCAP is pleased to serve as a knowledge partner for the CCWE Fashion Week & International Summit 2026. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to enhance women entrepreneurs’ access to markets, finance and digital networks. Connecting women-led businesses to regional networks can further unlock opportunities outside Sri Lanka. We commend CCWE’s leadership in creating an enabling environment for women from diverse backgrounds to innovate, participate and contribute to inclusive and sustainable economic development.”
Fems by Hemas Consumer Brands joins the CCWE Fashion Week & International Summit 2026 as the Empowerment Partner, supporting a platform that promotes inclusion, dignity, confidence, and women’s empowerment. As a leading women’s sanitary care brand in Sri Lanka, Fems continues its longstanding commitment toward advancing awareness on menstrual health and wellbeing while encouraging women entrepreneurs and young girls to move forward with confidence and purpose. Commenting on the partnership, Ms. Sachini Gamage, General Manager – Marketing (Feminine Hygiene and Oral Care), stated that Fems is proud to support an initiative that celebrates inclusion, entrepreneurship, and meaningful social impact across Sri Lanka and the South Asian region.
Hosting the event at Sri Lanka’s newest integrated lifestyle destination, Mr. Kamal Munasinghe, Senior Vice President – Colombo Hotels, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and General Manager of Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka, stated, “City of Dreams Sri Lanka was envisioned as a platform for transformative experiences that go beyond hospitality. We are proud to host this initiative with CCWE and provide a stage for women entrepreneurs to be seen, celebrated, and empowered while fostering visibility and growth for changemakers shaping Sri Lanka’s future.”
Complementing the summit, Mrs. Asha Jayamana, Chairperson of the South Asian Women Leadership Awards 2026, will lead the regional recognition component of the event by honouring outstanding women leaders and changemakers across South Asia, further strengthening the summit’s vision of celebrating excellence, empowerment, and cross-border collaboration.
Adding further strength to the creative and leadership dimensions of the event, renowned choreographer Mr. Gihan Dassanayake will lead the choreography of the fashion segments, bringing his artistic expertise and industry experience to curate a world-class runway experience that reflects the essence of inclusion and diversity. Leading designers including Ms. Charini Suriyage and Mr. Kamil Hewavitharana also extended their support to the initiative, recognising the platform as an important opportunity to uplift Sri Lankan fashion, creativity, and women-led enterprises.
Further supporting the initiative, Mrs. Hasini Gunesekara, Chairperson of Naturals Salon, joins the event as the Official Beauty Partner, expressing appreciation for the platform’s commitment toward empowering women entrepreneurs and supporting inclusive growth within the beauty and fashion industries.
Representatives from all nine provinces of Sri Lanka also shared their appreciation for the initiative, highlighting the summit as a unique and unprecedented opportunity for women entrepreneurs to gain exposure, recognition, and regional connectivity. Their participation reflected the true spirit of inclusion and national representation that the CCWE Fashion Week & International Summit 2026 aims to promote. Mrs. Kanthi Madagammana, Mrs. Nilanthi Perera, Mrs. Ramana Kumuduni and Nimeshani Shamudika expressed their views
The CCWE Fashion Week & International Summit 2026 is expected to generate long-term national value by promoting Sri Lanka’s creative industries, increasing visibility for small and medium enterprises, encouraging public-private partnerships, and strengthening the role of women in economic leadership. Most importantly, it reinforces a powerful message that when women are empowered with opportunity, the benefits extend beyond individuals to families, communities, and the nation, creating sustainable and inclusive growth for the future.
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