Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2024 officially launched in Sri Lanka on November 18th, marking a proud milestone as the country ranks 4th globally for entrepreneurial growth. This global initiative by the Global Entrepreneurship Network unites over 190 countries to foster innovation and empower entrepreneurs. Hosted by the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) and supported by key partners including Mastercard, XpressJobs, PickMe, and Vega Studios, GEW 2024 highlights Sri Lanka’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. This year’s event features over 100 ecosystem partners, 20+ universities, 200+ activities across 25 districts, and more than 20,000 participants, showcasing the nation’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable entrepreneurial development.
The launch event was graced by an esteemed lineup of speakers who shared their vision and insights. Mr. Suresh de Mel, Global Entrepreneurship Network Ambassador, emphasized Sri Lanka’s growing global impact. Mr. Harsha Purasinghe, ICTA Board Member and Group CEO of Microimage, highlighted the critical role of technology in entrepreneurship. Mr. Sandun Hapugoda, Country Manager for Mastercard, spoke on advancing financial inclusion, while Mr. Sachindra Samararatne, Associate Chief Digital Economy Officer at ICTA, outlined the agency’s strategy for driving digital entrepreneurship. Industry leaders Mr. Jiffry Zulfer, Founder/CEO of PickMe, Mr. Dayan Rajapakse, Managing Director of ESOFT Metro Campus, and Mr. Dhanuka Liyanagamage, Director of NEDA, also addressed the audience, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and innovation in building a resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem.