Sri Lanka is a tropical island in Asia, well known as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean”. Blessed with a rich heritage and surrounded by natural beauty, it’s one of the most scenic countries in the world. Women constitute 52% of the population and Sri Lanka is the first country in the world to have a female prime minister. 

As economic producers women have been traditionally active in the labor force. Sri Lankan women possess 92% of literacy rate which is above its regional peers. As a highly educated potential workforce, women are well-placed to make significant contributions to the economy. 

Initiatives in place to recognize the importance of women in the socio-economic development, as well as promoting the need for greater participation by women in policy formulation, to prepare women for leadership positions, building knowledge, technical capabilities, soft skills, as well as language proficiency.

Country’s economic reform agendas focus on fostering more women entrepreneurs, with the necessary support on access to finance, markets, digital technology, mentorship and training to grow their business successfully. The economic participation of women is essential to sustain the economic growth momentum in a changing socio-economic landscape. These efforts will contribute to more effectively address the challenges, while fostering an ecosystem, in a more sustainable environment for women entrepreneurs and generate more opportunities for women in Sri Lanka.