HNB was the Title Sponsor of the CCWE Fashion Week and International Summit 2026, the first fashion week in Sri Lanka and South Asia dedicated to women entrepreneurs. Held under the theme “Threads of Inclusion Woven from Every Walk of Life,” the initiative aimed to expand market access, strengthen business networks, and promote financial inclusion for women-led enterprises.
The event featured fashion showcases, an international summit, trade exhibitions, and training programs designed to create opportunities for women-led SMEs, rural artisans, youth designers, and creative entrepreneurs to access local and international markets.
Damith Pallewatte, MD/CEO, HNB, said that the partnership reflects the Bank’s long-standing commitment to empowering women and fostering inclusive economic growth. Supporting women entrepreneurs has been central to HNB’s 135-year legacy, as empowering women strengthens families, communities, and the wider economy.
Dr. Ayanthi Gurusinghe, CCWE President and Fashion Week Chairman, described the initiative as a national movement that enables women from diverse backgrounds to transform their talents into sustainable businesses while contributing to Sri Lanka’s economic development. Aligned with HNB’s focus on SME development, women’s entrepreneurship, microfinance, and ESG leadership, the sponsorship reinforces the Bank’s commitment to advancing financial inclusion and creating meaningful opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
