|
|
 |
 |
| Sunday, 19 October 2003 |
 |
|
 |
Business |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
Young entrepreneurs in the spotlight The perception that business is adult territory was proved a myth last week when the Young Entrepreneur Sri Lanka (YESL) programme honoured young girls and boys with awards and certificates for being the best among the best at its fifth annual awards ceremony. Yasodha Vithanawasam, President, Tuber Roses 2003 of Sumana Balika Vidyalaya, Ratnapura was selected as the Most Outstanding Young Entrepreneur for 2002 while Pudara Vithanage of Gothami Balika Vidyalaya and Ruchira Galappaththi of Richmond College, Galle won the Most Outstanding Young Entrepreneur runner-up awards for the girl and boy respectively. Awards and trophies were presented to teachers and principals who supported the YESL programme while special awards were given to graduate consultants. YESL, launched in 1997 with 1000 students in nine schools, has now spread its wings to 300 schools across the country, encompassing around 30,000 children. The programme is implemented at primary, intermediary and senior levels, where students receive a practical education in business, economics and entrepreneurship to make them employable. Addressing the gathering, Vithanawasam requested the Government to make a better tomorrow for the country's children. She said the programme has helped her change her vistas and discover her inner strengths. Kasun Buddhika, a Grade 12 Arts student of Nandimithra Madya Maha Vidyalaya, Pallama, who is the President of Ranrasa Sweets said: "The programme is very good as it gives us a knowledge of the business world. Only five per cent are presently selected to the universities and this background will help us to venture out on our own or work in a private sector company as we have the confidence. Our school has three companies - Ranrasa Sweets, Nandimithra Catering Service and Multi Products. The companies make a profit by selling the products to the children of the school". The products and services offered by school companies were displayed at an exhibition held along with the awards ceremony. Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Ravi Karunanayake assured his fullest support for the programme. He said the Government wants to be a facilitator while permitting the private sector to engage in business. He said the forthcoming budget too will be directed towards this end. "Before I came here, I thought our future was bleak, but once I entered this assembly and saw the talents of these children, all my thoughts changed," he added. Ranel T. Wijesinghe, Chairman National Wealth Corporation said: "The private sector should invest in the programme as they will be investing in the future of our country". He said strengthening entrepreneurship will result in employment for the youth of the country. President National Chamber of Exporters Felix Yahampath called on banks to invest in this programme on a monthly basis. President YESL, Patrick Amarasinghe said: "Launching YESL six years ago was a dream come true as it took 30 long years to make it a reality. We want to expand the programme, but lack corporate sponsorship. We have also recruited unemployed graduates to work as consultants for each district. They have helped the programme in a big way". YESL is a member nation franchise holder of Junior Achievement International, the world's largest and fastest growing business and economic education programme. It has spread in 112 countries and involves millions of children. (SG & CM) ***** Promises made by the Minister * 3000 square feet office space (to be used as YESL headquarters) |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security Produced by Lake House |
