Dr. Dilesha Perera, Co-Founder of the renowned clothing brand La Vivente under Dilchand (Pvt) Ltd, has set a new benchmark for Sri Lankan women in the business world. She has been celebrated as “Asia’s Top Outstanding Women Marketer of the Year 2022” by the Asian Marketing Federation (AMF), making history as the first Sri Lankan woman to receive this honor. Her remarkable journey continued in 2023, when she was recognized as one of the Most Admired Marketing Leaders by the World Marketing Congress in Mumbai. Adding to her illustrious list of accolades, Dr. Perera was awarded the title of Best Entrepreneur of South Asia under the SME category at the South Asian Partnership Summit and Business Excellence Awards 2023, held on November 30, 2023, in Male, Maldives.
Dr. Perera’s leadership has been instrumental in propelling La Vivente to new heights. Under her guidance, La Vivente secured the Gold Award for the Best Local Brand under the SME category and the Bronze Award for the Best New Entrant Brand at the SLIM Brand Excellence Awards in 2021. The brand also clinched the Gold Award for “Best SME Website of the Year” at the BestWeb.lk Awards in 2022.
Before her foray into the fashion industry, Dr. Perera built a robust career in banking, beginning in 1998 at Standard Chartered Bank. Over 17 years, she amassed extensive experience in various facets of banking, including Marketing, Sales Management, Branding, Product Development, Branch Banking (Sales and Operations), and SME Financing. Her achievements in the banking sector were marked by numerous accolades.
A proud alumna of Musaeus College, Dr. Perera holds a Doctorate in Business Administration in Marketing from the University of Kelaniya. Her research interests span consumer behavior, branding, and Small and Medium Enterprises (SME). She also holds an MBA specializing in Finance from the University of Kelaniya and a Bachelor of Commerce specializing in International Trade from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Additionally, she is a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), UK, and an Associate Member of the Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka.
La Vivente was launched as an online brand in 2020, during a challenging period. With timely and strategic initiatives, La Vivente revolutionized Sri Lanka’s online fashion industry, offering a seamless shopping experience for women, ensuring prompt and safe delivery of orders. Customers also have the option to visit La Vivente’s stores in Galle, Koswatte, and Negombo, where well-trained staff provide friendly and personalized service.
In just four years, La Vivente has established itself as a leading brand, offering a range of comfortable, affordable, and high-quality clothing for women of all ages. The brand’s innovative products and commitment to catering to Sri Lankan women from all walks of life have garnered widespread admiration both locally and globally.
Beyond its commercial success, La Vivente stands as a social entrepreneurial brand, fostering a community of micro-entrepreneurs who manufacture its products exclusively. This initiative, fully funded by La Vivente, has significantly empowered the local community by providing a guaranteed market, technical know-how, financial literacy, and interest-free loans to upgrade factory premises and purchase machinery. Additionally, La Vivente offers guidance in bookkeeping and management assistance, ensuring that micro-entrepreneurs thrive even in adverse conditions.
Dr. Dilesha Perera’s visionary leadership and unwavering dedication continue to inspire and uplift many, marking her as a true trailblazer in the realms of marketing and entrepreneurship.
