GEW Launching Ceremony

The Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2025 Launching Ceremony marked the official commencement of Sri Lanka’s national celebration of innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment. Organized by the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Economy, the ceremony was held on 14th November 2025 at the Temple Trees, bringing together leaders from government, industry, academia, and the entrepreneurial community.

Held under the global theme “Together We Build,” the launch set the tone for a week dedicated to fostering creativity, collaboration, and sustainable economic growth across the island. GEW, celebrated annually in over 200 countries, provides a platform for entrepreneurs and innovators to connect, exchange ideas, and drive meaningful change. Sri Lanka continues its active participation in this global movement, with ICTA once again serving as the National Host Organization.

The 2025 theme emphasizes uniting Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, strengthening communities, and supporting economic transformation through innovation. GEW 2025 will unfold as an island-wide initiative, showcasing the nation’s talent, resilience, and collaborative spirit while elevating Sri Lanka’s presence on global entrepreneurial platforms.

The event was graced by several distinguished guests, including

• Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister

• Hon. Eranga Weeraratne, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy

• Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Industry & Entrepreneurship Development

• Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy

• Mr. Waruna Sri Dhanapala, Acting Secretary, Ministry of Digital Economy

Alongside them, a large gathering of industry experts, startup founders, youth innovators, and representatives from the public and private sectors participated in the ceremony.

In her keynote address, the Hon. Prime Minister emphasized the government’s vision to build a nation where ideas become opportunities, innovations attract investment, and citizens benefit from a digitally empowered economy. She highlighted the national responsibility shared by all sectors to uplift local entrepreneurs and strengthen Sri Lanka’s transition toward a digital-first future.

The GEW 2025 Launching Ceremony successfully set the foundation for a transformative week of activities, reaffirming Sri Lanka’s commitment to building an inclusive, innovative, and entrepreneurship-driven economy—together.