Sri Lanka
USA
Canada
India
UK
UAE
Sri Lanka is set to make history with the launch of the CCWE Fashion Week & International Summit 2026, a groundbreaking initiative dedicated entirely to women entrepreneurs. The event was officially announced by the Ceylon Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs (CCWE) during a press conference in Colombo, marking a major milestone for both the country and the wider South Asian region.
Carrying the theme “Threads of Inclusion: Woven from Every Walk of Life,” the event will take place from July 16 to 20, 2026, at Cinnamon Life, Colombo. It will be the first fashion week in Sri Lanka and South Asia designed exclusively to highlight and empower women-led enterprises.
More than just a fashion showcase, the initiative aims to create a powerful platform for economic and social progress. By bringing together designers, artisans, SMEs, investors, policymakers, and international partners, the event is expected to unlock new market opportunities, strengthen financial inclusion, and promote sustainable livelihoods for women across diverse communities.
The summit also seeks to boost Sri Lanka’s creative economy by enhancing export potential, encouraging youth engagement in fashion and design, and strengthening regional collaboration within South Asia. The initiative is backed by a strong network of partners, with Hatton National Bank (HNB) serving as the title sponsor.
Speaking at the launch, CCWE President Dr. Ayanthi Gurusinghe described the event as more than just a fashion week, calling it a national movement aimed at reshaping perceptions of women entrepreneurs. She emphasized that the platform will enable women to transform their skills into sustainable businesses, gain access to global markets, and contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic growth.
HNB Managing Director and CEO Damith Pallewatte highlighted the broader economic impact, noting that empowering women entrepreneurs has a ripple effect on families, communities, and national development.
Regional support for the initiative is also strong. Premila Acharya, President of the South Asian Women Development Forum, praised Sri Lanka’s leadership in creating a platform that promotes inclusion, opportunity, and equality across borders.
The event has also secured international collaboration, with the United Nations ESCAP Subregional Office for South and South-West Asia joining as a knowledge partner. Director Mikiko Tanaka stated that the initiative aligns with efforts to improve women’s access to markets, finance, and digital networks, while strengthening regional business connections.
Adding to the event’s appeal, renowned choreographer Gihan Dassanayake will lead the fashion segments, curating a world-class runway experience that celebrates diversity and inclusion.
Overall, the CCWE Fashion Week & International Summit 2026 is expected to deliver long-term national benefits by elevating Sri Lanka’s creative industries, supporting small and medium enterprises, fostering public-private partnerships, and strengthening the role of women in economic leadership.
