PM highlights role of fashion in women’s empowerment at CCWE Fashion Week 2026

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated as the Chief Guest at the opening ceremony of the CCWE Fashion Week & International Summit 2026, organized by the Ceylon Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs (CCWE) in Colombo.The CCWE Fashion Week & International Summit 2026 will be held from 16th July to 19 July under the theme "Threads of Inclusion – Woven from Every Walk of Life" and this Fashion Week & International Summit 2026 aims to redefine fashion as a platform for inclusion, empowerment, entrepreneurship, and social transformation, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Media Division. Bringing together women entrepreneurs, designers, artisans, creative professionals, and industry leaders from across South Asia, the summit promotes innovation, leadership, and regional collaboration while creating opportunities for women-led businesses to gain visibility, access new markets, and strengthen their contribution to sustainable economic development.Addressing the gathering yesterday (17), the Prime Minister stated that fashion is a powerful expression of women's diversity and the many identities they embody. At the same time, the Prime Minister noted that fashion also mirrors the stereotypes and societal expectations imposed on women, making it an important space for dialogue and transformation, the statement said.The Prime Minister commended initiatives such as the CCWE Fashion Week and International Summit for creating opportunities to challenge conventional norms, push boundaries, and celebrate the achievements, resilience, and creativity of women.Highlighting the economic dimension of women's empowerment, Prime Minister Dr. Amarasuriya emphasized that women are a driving force behind Sri Lanka's micro and small enterprise sector, it added. The occasion was attended by President of the Ceylon Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs, Dr. Ayanthi Gurusinghe and members of the Ceylon Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs, Women Entrepreneurs, diplomatic corps and women entrepreneurs, designers, artisans, creative professionals, and industry leaders from across South Asia.