By Shirajiv Sirimanne
Fathuma Nisreen, a beneficiary of the Hambantota District Chamber of Commerce (HDCC)’s Youth Business Programme (HYBP) shot to world fame when she won the international competition for Young Entrepreneurs, at a prestigious awards ceremony in Mexico City, after being interviewed by a judging panel of experts on business and entrepreneurship in Mexico last Monday.
Thsiis the first time a Sri Lankan was short listed for the award and the first time the country won an award of this magnitude. The event was organised by Youth Business International (YBI), which is a Charity under a Trust set up by the Price of Wales.
Fathuma will receive prize money of US$ 5,000 from Youth Business International, as well as an invitation to travel to London for a dinner at St James’s Palace, which last year was hosted by The Prince of Wales.
The global award reflects the challenges that Fathuma has overcome as well as the huge potential that she has to act as a role model for other Muslims in her community and inspire other women around the world.
Owner of a small Bag and Garment making business in Hambantota, Ramsi Fashion, was first won the YBI’s “Woman of the Year” award, and qualified for the world completion.
An emotional Fathuma thanked the YBI for the recognition bestowed on her, and paid tribute to her husband who supported her every effort, along with her Mentor Amail, and the Hambatota Youth Business Programme, which helped her get off the ground.