Vision to Reality: A Year of Learning, Leadership and Global Engagement for COYLE

Over the past year, the Chamber of Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE) continued its journey under the theme “Vision to Reality,” demonstrating how ideas can be transformed into meaningful action. Guided by a clear philosophy, learn, develop, and then expand globally, COYLE focused on empowering its members with knowledge and leadership capabilities before strengthening international partnerships and global engagement for Sri Lankan entrepreneurs.

The year began with a strong emphasis on learning and development, recognising that informed and capable entrepreneurs are the foundation of a resilient economy. COYLE organised a series of programmes designed to equip members with the skills needed to navigate a rapidly evolving business environment. Among these were sessions focused on Artificial Intelligence and digital transformation, as well as discussions on cybersecurity, helping business leaders understand the growing importance of protecting their organisations in an increasingly digital world.

Complementing these initiatives was a psychology and data session, which explored how behavioural insights and data-driven decision-making can enhance leadership and organisational performance. A major highlight of the year’s learning agenda was the Harvard Business School programme, which introduced global strategic frameworks and leadership thinking to COYLE members, providing exposure to the practices that shape successful businesses worldwide.

The chamber also continued to inspire leadership through the I Am COYLE Leadership Forum, where entrepreneurs and industry leaders gathered to share experiences and insights. The forum featured former Australian cricketer, coach, and entrepreneur Jason Gillespie as keynote speaker, whose reflections on teamwork, resilience, and leadership resonated strongly with the entrepreneurial community.

COYLE’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs was equally evident. Through its Back-to-School initiatives at Lyceum International School and D.S. Senanayake College, members engaged directly with students, sharing their entrepreneurial journeys and encouraging young people to explore innovation, leadership, and enterprise.

With this strong foundation of learning and development, COYLE expanded its focus towards strengthening international engagement and diplomatic relationships. Throughout the year, the chamber held meetings with several high commissioners and ambassadors, creating opportunities for dialogue between Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurial community and global partners. These engagements helped build pathways for trade, investment, and international collaboration.

COYLE also facilitated inbound business delegations from Taiwan, Switzerland, and Nepal, providing platforms for Sri Lankan entrepreneurs to connect with international business leaders and explore new opportunities for market access and cooperation.

Strategic partnerships were another important milestone. During the year, COYLE signed Memorandums of Understanding with JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization), AHK Sri Lanka representing German Industry and Commerce, and the Sri Lanka–New Zealand Business Chamber. These collaborations aim to expand global opportunities for Sri Lankan businesses and strengthen international economic ties.

In addition, COYLE partnered with Sampath Bank and Mastercard to introduce the COYLE World Mastercard, offering members a specialised financial solution designed to support their business activities and international engagement.

One of the year’s most notable initiatives was the launch and celebration of the Sri Lanka Corporate Health and Productivity Awards (SLCHPA), organised in partnership with JETRO. The awards recognise organisations that prioritise employee well-being and workplace productivity, reinforcing COYLE’s belief that sustainable economic growth must be built on healthy and empowered workforces.

COYLE also strengthened collaboration across Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through its engagement with the Alliance of Lankan Entrepreneurial Chambers (ALEC), encouraging knowledge sharing and supporting entrepreneurs in expanding into international markets.

Reflecting on the year, COYLE Chairman Mr. Manjula Wijesundara noted that the chamber’s progress demonstrates the power of collective effort and shared vision. By prioritising learning, developing leadership, and expanding global connections, COYLE continues to strengthen its role as a platform that empowers entrepreneurs and connects Sri Lankan enterprise with the world.

As COYLE moves forward, the relationships built and initiatives launched during this year of Vision to Reality will continue to guide its mission, supporting entrepreneurs, strengthening partnerships, and shaping a globally connected future for Sri Lankan business.

Over the past year, the Chamber of Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE) continued its journey under the theme “Vision to Reality,” demonstrating how ideas can be transformed into meaningful action. Guided by a clear philosophy, learn, develop, and then expand globally, COYLE focused on empowering its members with knowledge and leadership capabilities before strengthening international partnerships and global engagement for Sri Lankan entrepreneurs.

The year began with a strong emphasis on learning and development, recognising that informed and capable entrepreneurs are the foundation of a resilient economy. COYLE organised a series of programmes designed to equip members with the skills needed to navigate a rapidly evolving business environment. Among these were sessions focused on Artificial Intelligence and digital transformation, as well as discussions on cybersecurity, helping business leaders understand the growing importance of protecting their organisations in an increasingly digital world.

Complementing these initiatives was a psychology and data session, which explored how behavioural insights and data-driven decision-making can enhance leadership and organisational performance. A major highlight of the year’s learning agenda was the Harvard Business School programme, which introduced global strategic frameworks and leadership thinking to COYLE members, providing exposure to the practices that shape successful businesses worldwide.

The chamber also continued to inspire leadership through the I Am COYLE Leadership Forum, where entrepreneurs and industry leaders gathered to share experiences and insights. The forum featured former Australian cricketer, coach, and entrepreneur Jason Gillespie as keynote speaker, whose reflections on teamwork, resilience, and leadership resonated strongly with the entrepreneurial community.

COYLE’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs was equally evident. Through its Back-to-School initiatives at Lyceum International School and D.S. Senanayake College, members engaged directly with students, sharing their entrepreneurial journeys and encouraging young people to explore innovation, leadership, and enterprise.

With this strong foundation of learning and development, COYLE expanded its focus towards strengthening international engagement and diplomatic relationships. Throughout the year, the chamber held meetings with several high commissioners and ambassadors, creating opportunities for dialogue between Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurial community and global partners. These engagements helped build pathways for trade, investment, and international collaboration.

COYLE also facilitated inbound business delegations from Taiwan, Switzerland, and Nepal, providing platforms for Sri Lankan entrepreneurs to connect with international business leaders and explore new opportunities for market access and cooperation.

Strategic partnerships were another important milestone. During the year, COYLE signed Memorandums of Understanding with JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization), AHK Sri Lanka representing German Industry and Commerce, and the Sri Lanka–New Zealand Business Chamber. These collaborations aim to expand global opportunities for Sri Lankan businesses and strengthen international economic ties.

In addition, COYLE partnered with Sampath Bank and Mastercard to introduce the COYLE World Mastercard, offering members a specialised financial solution designed to support their business activities and international engagement.

One of the year’s most notable initiatives was the launch and celebration of the Sri Lanka Corporate Health and Productivity Awards (SLCHPA), organised in partnership with JETRO. The awards recognise organisations that prioritise employee well-being and workplace productivity, reinforcing COYLE’s belief that sustainable economic growth must be built on healthy and empowered workforces.

COYLE also strengthened collaboration across Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through its engagement with the Alliance of Lankan Entrepreneurial Chambers (ALEC), encouraging knowledge sharing and supporting entrepreneurs in expanding into international markets.

Reflecting on the year, COYLE Chairman Mr. Manjula Wijesundara noted that the chamber’s progress demonstrates the power of collective effort and shared vision. By prioritising learning, developing leadership, and expanding global connections, COYLE continues to strengthen its role as a platform that empowers entrepreneurs and connects Sri Lankan enterprise with the world.

As COYLE moves forward, the relationships built and initiatives launched during this year of Vision to Reality will continue to guide its mission, supporting entrepreneurs, strengthening partnerships, and shaping a globally connected future for Sri Lankan business.