Sri Lanka’s Mentor-on-Road Country Mentor Shaveen Fernando ended the first leg of the journey to educate, equip and engage Sri Lanka’s micro, small and medium scale business holders, young entrepreneurs, start-ups, women and women empowerment institutions across 16 cities from 17 to 26 May 2017. 

As the next step: Mentor-on-Road Sri Lanka will be appointing and training city/town mentors for each city through the partners, and these mentors will continue and further strengthen the work done during the tour; Mentor-on-Road Sri Lanka will be analyzing every survey form submitted and will bring case by case practical solutions for each applicant to grow for better; We will identify potential clusters to develop up to export level; Indian and American businesses will be connected to the Sri Lankan businesses through city mentors, adding value to each organization independently.

The aim of Mentor-on-Road Sri Lanka is for small industries to work in clusters to form consortia to reach national and global markets; Micro/cottage industries to have the confidence by equipping them with low cost tools to start national and global marketing; All stake holders to receive the most innovative ways and best case practices around the world to start business/export and build relations and network globally; More women and youth to be involved in the business activities in Sri Lanka and also contribute to the Sri Lankan economy; Young entrepreneurs to create jobs through start-ups and, mentor on road will mentor them to become successful.

Cities impacting are Kamburupitiya, Ambalantota, Hambantota, Kalthota, Bibile, Siyabalanduwa, Inginiyagala, Damana, Batticaloa, Kanthale, Trincomalee, Mullaitivu, Mannar, Ahatuwewa, Katubadda, Ampegama
“The first ever edition of Mentor-on-Road in Sri Lanka was highly successful. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our partners – Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC), MJF Charitable Foundation, Sri Lanka Unites, Bundlhub, RaDiant Studio and, PResense; which trusted us and supported in our efforts to make an impact. Their dynamic efforts in organizing and gathering the community helped us to build a hope in the MSME sector. We are happy to continue further with them to train local businesses for a global challenge,” 
said Shaveen.