Entrepreneur Awards 2009, H'tota

The Entrepreneur of the Year Awards ceremony for entrepreneurs of Hambantota organised by the Hambantota District Chamber of Commerce (HDCC) in collaboration with the International Finance Cooperation (IFC) was held recently at the Singapore Conference Hall, Hambantota.

Dr. Priyath Bandu Wickrama with a Gold Award Winner

The event was designed to encourage the local business community to improve their standards of business practices and to achieve a high level of entrepreneurship. The competition has now become a benchmark and a driving factor for the local business community to look for more ethical approaches towards their businesses.

The winners were selected by a panel of judges led by the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Ruhuna Prof. Gamini Senanayake. The competition was held under the categories of Best Entrepreneur (open), Best Entrepreneur of Youth Business Program (YBP), Best Corporate Social Responsibility Entrepreneur, Best Woman Entrepreneur and Best Employee.

The winner of the overall competition was S.J. Vinne - Jayantha & Brothers.

Under the open category Rohan L. Fernando - Angel Aquarium (Pvt) Ltd, Sunil Abeysooriya - Malsha Fashion Centre, Rajarathne Garusinghe - Ruhunu Mahaweli Milk Product, were the winners, representing large, medium and small-scale businesses.

The awards for the Entrepreneur of the YBP and the Corporate Social Responsibility Entrepreneur were won by A.C.M. Musthafa - Murshida Gift & Fashion, and Samapala Manamperi - Dilantha Group of Companies. Wickramage Somawathie of Thisara Garment was awarded the Woman Entrepreneur of the Year award. Air-conditioner Technician of Oasis Hotel (Pvt) Ltd, S.A. Dilip Kumara was awarded the golden award for best employee. In addition 12 silvers and 13 merit certificates were also awarded.