COYLE-Sampath Bank Entrepreneurial Forum 2015

For the second consecutive year, the Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE) hosted its Entrepreneurial Forum on Wednesday, September 30. Like last year, the COYLE-Sampath Bank Entrepreneurial Forum, titled 'Dare to Be Different', presented a panel of entrepreneurs and leaders in the areas of shipping and logistics, pharmaceuticals, and manufacture and export.

This year's keynote speaker was Kumar Sangakkara, who, having retired from cricket has begun a series of projects ranging from social entrepreneurship to social responsibility. Sangakkara spoke of his journey, post cricket, and how he aims at making a change.

This year's panellists included Chairman and Managing Director, Mclarens Group of Companies, Rohan de Silva, Chairman, KIK Group of Companies, Lalith Kahataptiya, Chairman and Managing Director, Interpharm (Pvt) Ltd and Gamma Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd., Kalana Hewamallika, and President, Freight Links International (Pvt) Ltd., Niral Kadawatharatchie.

The moderator was Dr. Arittha Wikramanayake, who has a successful law practice. He was recently featured in LMD's A-List of business leaders, renowned for their integrity and transparency. His wit and honesty is expected to add flavour to the panel discussion.

"Our aim is to create an environment that will inspire a business community, create connections and a platform to share knowledge of how to succeed in the business arena. These panellists have years of experience and will show how to succeed," said Chairman, COYLE, Navein Perera. Sampath Bank was the forum's main sponsor.

"Having seen the success of last year's forum and being an advocate of local entrepreneurship, we take pleasure in being a part of this noble event," said Managing Director, Sampath Bank, Aravinda Perera.

COYLE has been continuously focusing on promoting entrepreneurial development and been actively involved in dialogue, discussions and representations to create a business-friendly environment in the country.