The Sri Lanka Institute of Textiles and Apparel (SLITA) has introduced its new ‘Next Gen Entrepreneur’ programme, aimed at developing a new generation of entrepreneurs and strengthening the skills base of Sri Lanka’s textile and apparel industry.
The initiative comes as SLITA continues to expand its academic and professional development offerings following its recent recognition as a degree-awarding institute under the Universities Act No. 16 of 1978. The institute provides Sri Lankan students and industry professionals with a range of educational pathways, including certificate, diploma and degree programmes.
Speaking to the media at the SLITA Campus in Ratmalana, Director of Operations Nidarshani Perera described the initiative as an important development for Sri Lanka’s textile and apparel education sector.
She highlighted the apparel industry’s significant contribution to the national economy and SLITA’s role in supporting the continued development of the sector by providing young people and industry participants with relevant knowledge and professional skills.
Perera encouraged young people, aspiring entrepreneurs and others interested in entering the apparel industry to make use of SLITA’s modern campus facilities and its broad range of academic and professional development programmes.
She noted that while more than 700,000 people are currently employed in Sri Lanka’s garment sector, there remains a skills and knowledge gap among a section of those engaged in the industry.
To address this challenge, SLITA has developed the ‘Next Gen Entrepreneur’ programme specifically for individuals seeking to establish a new business within the textile and apparel sector, as well as existing entrepreneurs looking to develop their businesses in a more systematic and structured manner.
According to Perera, the programme goes beyond conventional education and has been designed as a social development initiative aimed at supporting small-scale entrepreneurs across the country.
Participants will receive practical guidance covering key areas required to establish and grow a successful apparel business. These include technical knowledge, business management, market understanding and access to financing, including knowledge on how to obtain bank loans.
The programme is intended to equip aspiring and existing entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge needed to improve their businesses, strengthen their competitiveness and contribute further to the development of Sri Lanka’s textile and apparel industry.
With its modern facilities and expanding academic and professional programmes, SLITA continues to position itself as a key institution supporting the development of skilled professionals and entrepreneurs for the future of Sri Lanka’s apparel sector.
HNB Finance Appoints Sivarajah Nandakumar and Thumudu Supun as Non-Independent Non-Executive Directors
HNB Finance PLC has announced the appointment of Sivarajah Nandakumar and Ponnehennedige Thumudu Supun Dias as Non-Independent Non-Executive Directors of the company, strengthening its Board with extensive banking, operations and business leadership experience.
Nandakumar holds a Master of Business Administration from the Postgraduate Institute of Management, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, and is an Associate Member of the Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka in Banking and Finance.
He currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Business Operations Officer of Hatton National Bank PLC, where he provides strategic leadership and oversight across the Bank’s operational functions, including centralised operations and shared services.
Nandakumar also serves as a Non-Independent Non-Executive Director of Lanka Financial Services Bureau Limited, where he contributes to strategic governance and serves on the Board Audit Committee.
With more than 34 years of experience at Hatton National Bank, Nandakumar has held a range of senior management and corporate leadership positions spanning branch banking, operations management, regional leadership, private banking and business development.
Throughout his career, he has played a key role in supporting the Bank’s growth, operational efficiency, customer outreach and business expansion initiatives.
Meanwhile, Ponnehennedige Thumudu Supun Dias holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing from The Chartered Institute of Marketing, UK. He is also a Chartered Marketer of the Institute and an Ordinary Life Member of the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing.
Dias currently serves as Executive Vice President and Head of Network Business at Hatton National Bank PLC, where he provides strategic direction and leadership for the Bank’s branch network and distribution channels.
The appointments bring together extensive expertise in banking operations, strategic management, network development and business leadership, further strengthening HNB Finance’s governance and Board-level capabilities.
SLITA Campus Launches Next Gen Entrepreneur Programme to Strengthen Textile and Apparel Education
