Youth-Led Green & Inclusive Businesses – Progress

Youth-Led Green & Inclusive Businesses – Pathways to Sustainability: Entrepreneurs’ Showcase Event – BMICH, Lotus Hall – 27th June 2024

The event, titled “Pathways to Sustainability: Entrepreneurs’ Showcase,” marked the end of the project. Thirty young business leaders from Sri Lanka had the opportunity to present the progressive steps taken by them to make their businesses more environmentally friendly and inclusive with innovative solutions. They also had the chance to network with key stakeholders and advocate for common causes. The showcasing event also allowed young Sri Lankan entrepreneurs to virtually connect with several young green entrepreneurs from Scotland to share experiences. This collaborative effort towards sustainable development aims to scale up successful models and create a network of young entrepreneurs advancing the green and inclusive agenda. The transformative journey undertaken by the young entrepreneurs has empowered them to shape businesses that thrive economically while promoting environmental responsibility and inclusivity. By integrating sustainable practices at every step of the business, these leaders are contributing to a greener and more equitable society.

Pitch Day – Grand Monarch, Thalawathugoda – 29th of April 2024

The Green Movement held a Pitch Day on April 29, 2024, for their Youth-Led Green and Inclusive Businesses Project. The event took place from 9 am to around 3 pm. Fifteen entrepreneurs in the program presented their business ideas, followed by a panel discussion where participants shared their thoughts on the program.

3rd Field Trip – 3rd Session – The Moratuwa Municipal Council – 30th of March 2024

The Green Movement organized a field trip to the Moratuwa Municipal Council on March 30, 2024, for their Youth-Led Green and Inclusive Businesses Project. The event took place in the afternoon from 1:30 pm to around 5 pm. During the trip, the selected entrepreneurs were given a presentation about sustainable practices. They also visited the warehouse, where they participated in sorting waste into different piles.

3rd Field Trip – 2nd Session – The Umandawa Greenm Hut, Colpetty – 30th of March 2024

The Green Movement held its third field trip to The Umandawa Green Hut on March 30, 2024, for their Youth-Led Green and Inclusive Businesses Project. The event took place in the afternoon around 12:30 pm. All of the applicants walked around the market to observe the innovative and sustainable products being sold. The applicants left the market with valuable advice on how to start selling their products at the Green Hut.

Third Field Trip – 1st Session – The Good Market – 30th of March 2024

The Green Movement organized its third field trip to The Good Market on March 30, 2024 for their Youth-Led Green and Inclusive Businesses Project. The event started at 10:45 am and lasted until around 12:30 pm. During the trip, all the participants explored the market to see the innovative and sustainable products being sold. Additionally, they had the opportunity to listen to talks from three entrepreneurs who sell their products at the market. The participants gained valuable advice on how to start selling their own products at The Good Market and how to get Good Market Global approval.

02nd Field Trip – Jetwing Hotel,Negambo – 28th of March 2024

The Green Movement organized its Second Field Trip to Jetwing Hotel in Negombo on March 28, 2024 for their Youth-Led Green and Inclusive Businesses Project. The 15 selected applicants had the opportunity to observe the sustainable practices implemented by the hotel, including their sewage system and waste sorting station. The field trip took place from 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm.

2nd In-Person Workshop – Waters Edge, Battaramulla – 14th of March 2024

The Green Movement held its 2nd in-person workshop for their Youth-Led Green and Inclusive Businesses Project. This workshop was attended by 15 chosen applicants from the Western Province and took place at Waters Edge Battaramulla on March 14th, 2024. The project is funded by the British Council and its ecosystem partners include the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, National Innovation Agency, Thuru, Zero Trash, and Earth Dreams International. The program ran from 9 am to 4 pm. The morning session featured Mr. Damitha Samarakoon, who spoke about technological proficiency. The afternoon session began with an interactive session led by Mr. Hasanka Padukka and concluded with a talk by Ms. Indumini, who discussed the Export Development Board.

First Field Trip – Kodigahakanda – 09th of March 2024

On March 9, 2024, The Green Movement of Sri Lanka hosted its first field trip to Kodigahakanda for the Youth-Led Green and Inclusive Businesses Project, funded by The British Council. The 15 selected applicants visited Climblanka, an eco-friendly business, and began their adventurous hike after a brief history of the area. The trip offered a hands-on experience of sustainable practices, blending nature and eco-tourism, and ended at 4:30 pm with unforgettable memories.

1st In-Person Workshop – Waters Edge, Battaramulla – 05th of March 2024

The Green Movement held its first in-person workshop for the Youth Led Green and Inclusive Businesses Project with the 15 chosen applicants from the Western Province. The workshop took place at Waters Edge Battaramulla on the 5th of March 2024. This project is funded by the British Council, and its ecosystem partners include the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, National Innovation Agency, Thuru, Zero Trash, and Earth Dreams International. The program started at 9 am and went on until 4 pm. During the morning session, Mr. Heminda, an expert in business management, spoke about essential business skills. In the afternoon session, Ms. Vindya Wijesinhe led a discussion on innovation and product development. The applicants left the workshop with a better understanding of these topics that will help them in their businesses.

The Launching Event – Waters Edge, Battaramulla – February 12, 2024

The Green Movement held a launching event for the Youth-Led Green and Inclusive Businesses Project for 15 selected applicants from the Western Province. The event took place at Waters Edge Battaramulla on February 12, 2024. This project is funded by the British Council, with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, National Innovation Agency, Thuru, Zero Trash, and Earth Dreams International as its ecosystem partners. The program ran from 9 am to 3:30 pm and included speeches by Mr. Suranjan Kodithuwakku, the Chairman of the Green Movement of Sri Lanka, and Mr. Chameera Wickremesinghe who discussed the program’s expectations. The entrepreneurs participated in an activity where Mr. Hasanka Padukka taught them how to deliver an elevator pitch, followed by each applicant presenting their own version. Mr. Kokila Jayathissa led an interactive session on the importance of communication and time management in business. Ms. Sithumini Anuradha, an environmental specialist, delivered a slideshow introducing the green concept to the entrepreneurs. The program concluded with another overview by project manager Mr. Hasanka Padukka, followed by a discussion to address any queries from the selected applicants.

Orientation Session – Courtyard by Marriot – 01st February 2024

We are excited to introduce the Youth-Led Green and Inclusive Businesses Project, a dynamic collaboration with the British Council. This initiative aims to promote sustainable entrepreneurship by tapping into the passion and innovation of young entrepreneurs, and working towards a greener, more inclusive future. Our partners in this initiative include the Export Development Board of Sri Lanka, the National Innovation Agency, the Centre for Living Sustainability at the University of Highlands and Islands in Scotland, Thuru, Zero-Trash, and Earth Dreams International.

You are donating to : Green Movement of Sri Lanka Inc.