Igniting Innovation and Driving Sustainable Growth: Startup Bootcamp for Sri Lanka Youth 2025

In an effort to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka, the Startup Bootcamp themed "Igniting Innovation and Driving Sustainable Growth" was successfully conducted, offering a transformative experience for 35 selected participants. The primary objective of the bootcamp was to provide entrepreneurs with actionable insights, skillsets, and tools to master motivation, leadership, innovative thinking, and business scalability through activity-based learning. This event was successfully held on January 17th and 18th in Sri Lanka, delivering a transformative experience for aspiring entrepreneurs. The event brought together a dynamic group of young minds eager to enhance their entrepreneurial capabilities and contribute to Sri Lanka's economic development.

The primary objective of the Startup Bootcamp was to equip entrepreneurs with actionable insights, essential skillsets, and practical tools to master motivation, leadership, innovative thinking, and business scalability through activity-based learning. Participants engaged in a series of interactive sessions designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, and strategic problem-solving.

Event Overview

The two-day bootcamp featured an intensive curriculum divided into two distinct segments:

Day 1: Foundations and Essentials

Participants engaged in nine insightful sessions covering:

• Motivation & Mindset Mastery - Dr. Eng. Ranil Sugathadasa
• Essential Leadership Skills - Dr. Eng. Ranil Sugathadasa
• Effective Communication Skills - Ms. Senela Jayasuriya
• Innovation in Product Development - Mr. Upul Dassanayake
• Human-Centric Design Thinking - Ms. Sajini Jayawardane
• AI, Digital Marketing, and Personal Branding - Ms. Indu Nanayakkara
• Growth-Hacking for Startups - Ms. Sajini Jayawardana
• Angel Investors & Financial Means - Mr. Dharshana Lokuge
• How to Manage in VUCA Times - Mr. Sujeeva Samaraweera

Day 2: Scaling and Sustainability

The second day focused on the growth and sustainability aspects of startups through eight engaging sessions:

• Mindfulness , Relaxation and Recap of Day 1 - Dr. Mahesh Vipul Jayasinghe
• Wellness & Importance of Consulting, Mentoring, and Coaching for Startups - Ms. Dinu Kadahetti
• Networking Mastery - Mr. Udana Livera
• Creative Climate, Innovation & Sustainability - Prof. Rangika Halwathura
• Business Model Canvas - Eng. Jasmine Nanayakkara
• Building a Creative Climate for Teams - Mr. Jagath Jayasekera
• Digital Branding for Startups - Mr. Aminda Lakmal
• Scaling Strategies and Growth Models - Mr. Dinesh Kumara
• Navigating Challenges in the Startup Journey - Eng. Suresh Dharmarathne

A special Inspirational Talk was conducted by successful entrepreneurs who shared their insights and experiences, inspiring participants with their journeys.

The event concluded with a certificate and gift distribution ceremony, participant feedback session, and a networking and photo session. To celebrate the success of the event, participants enjoyed a cocktail dinner and karaoke music night, fostering further connections and camaraderie.

Expected Outcomes : The Startup bootcamp aimed to achieve the following outcomes:

• Enhanced entrepreneurial skills and innovative thinking.
• Practical tools for financial planning, leadership, and digital branding.
• Meaningful connections with peers, mentors, and potential investors.
• Creation of the first set of 35 effective and progressive entrepreneurs for 2025, with follow-up sessions planned.

Commitment to Supporting Youth Entrepreneurs

The event was conducted entirely FREE of charge for participants across the country. The 35 selected individuals were provided with morning and evening refreshments, lunch, and a grand final-day cocktail dinner with entertainment. Over 20 experts from the industry, along with successful coaches and mentors, facilitated the sessions.

A heartfelt thanks goes to the catalyst facilitators, participants, and organizing bodies including FCCISL, SCCI, SAMA Group, and Real Life Sri Lanka, The Life Coaching Network, for making this event a remarkable success.

The event was graced by the presence of esteemed organizers including Mr. Keerthi Gunawardane, President, FCCISL, Mr. Abbas Kamrudeen, Vice Chairman, SYEF - SCCI, Mr. Gong Daopei, Director, SAMA Lanka & Prof. Eng. (Mrs) Niranjanie Ratnayake, Honorary Ambassador, REAL LIFE Sri Lanka. The opening and closing ceremonies were further enriched by Mr. Tilan M. Wijesooriya, Secretary General, FCCISL, Eng. Jasmine Nanayakkara, Director, Real Life Sri Lanka, Mr. Madura Jakamal, and Mr. Anupama Savinada from SAMA Lanka.

Special appreciation is extended to Ms. Deshini Chathurika, Senior Assistant Secretary at the Prime Minister's Office, Sri Lanka, for joining our awarding ceremony and networking dinner.

Building a Creative Economy for Sri Lanka

The Startup Bootcamp highlighted the crucial need for such initiatives to empower youth, create startups, and promote entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka. By fostering an entrepreneurial culture, we can contribute to building a thriving creative economy that ensures the long-term development and prosperity of the country.

Stay tuned for more updates and upcoming events!

A Call to Action

To all aspiring youth startup founders: the future is in your hands. Apply the knowledge and skills gained from initiatives like this bootcamp, take bold steps, and create a brighter future for yourselves and Sri Lanka. Embrace innovation, resilience, and collaboration to drive meaningful change and sustainable growth in our nation.

We wish you GOOD LUCK!

Team, REAL LIFE

"Recreating a lifestyle for a sustainable future Through REAL LIFE , Now you are living..."