Global style takes centre stage with Ceylon Chamber of Commerce

This month July 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th, the international spotlight will turn to Colombo as the CCWE (Ceylon Chambers of Women Entrepreneur) Fashion Week and International Summit will be held at Cinnamon Life, supported by HNB, and hosted by Cinnamon Life. This event will usher in an extraordinary celebration of style, creativity and innovation, bringing together acclaimed designers, industry leaders, emerging talents and fashion visionaries from around South Asia. Organised by the Ceylon Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs (CCWE) under the theme ‘Threads of Inclusion. Woven from Every Walk of Life,” this event goes far beyond a traditional fashion week. This event promises to be a defining moment in Sri Lanka’s fashion calender. The runway will become a canvas of artistic expression, where sculptured silhouettes, exquisite textiles, impeccable tailoring and masterful craftsmanship come together in collections that celebrate both heritage and contemporary design. Each collection will offer competing narratives revealing fashion as an ever evolving dialogue between culture, identity and imagination. The event promises an unforgettable experience where fashion transcends trends and become a powerful expression of culture, identity and innovation. With Colombo welcoming the creative community. this landmark celebrations is poised to elevate Sri Lanka’s presence on the global fashion stage with confidence, sophistication and unmistakable style What is the CCWE Fashion Week and International Summit 2026? The CCWE Fashion Week & International Summit 2026 is Sri Lanka’s premier platform that brings together fashion, entrepreneurship, trade, sustainability, innovation, and social inclusion under one national initiative. Organised by the Ceylon Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs (CCWE) under the theme “Threads of Inclusion—Woven from Every Walk of Life,” the event goes far beyond a traditional fashion week. It is a social impact movement designed to empower women entrepreneurs, showcase emerging designers, celebrate diversity, create international business opportunities, and position Sri Lanka as a regional hub for inclusive and sustainable fashion. The four-day programme will feature : International Summit with regional and global speakers, Fashion showcases by leading Sri Lankan and South Asian designers, Community fashion segments highlighting women from diverse backgrounds, Women’s Leadership Awards, Trade and networking opportunities, youth, innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives The event also serves as a fundraising platform to strengthen women-led enterprises and create lasting economic opportunities across Sri Lanka. CCWE Fashion Week and & International Summit 2026 will be held from 16th to 19th July, 2026, at Cinnamon Life, Colombo. The programme includes: 16th July – International Summit and Opening Ceremony, 17 July – Fashion Showcases and Designer Collections, 18 July – Grand Finale Fashion Show, 19 July – Trade Fair, Business Networking and Community Engagement Programme What our partners say –Manoji Wadugodapitiya “Fashion has the power to transform lives, but true beauty lies in creating opportunities for everyone. What inspires me most about the CCWE Fashion Week is its commitment to ensuring that women from every background are given a platform to shine. It is not merely a fashion event—it is a celebration of courage, resilience and possibility. Sadee Greenwood “The CCWE Fashion Week represents a fresh direction for Sri Lanka’s fashion industry. It beautifully combines creativity with purpose. It is exciting to see fashion being used as a vehicle for social impact, entrepreneurship and international collaboration. I am proud to be associated with an initiative that gives back to society while elevating Sri Lankan talent. Prathiba Liyanaarachchi – Miss Sri Lanka 2025 “As Miss Sri Lanka 2025, 1 believe every young woman deserves the confidence to dream beyond her circumstances. CCWE Fashion Week sends exactly that message. It celebrates confidence, diversity and empowerment while inspiring the next generation of women leaders. I am honoured to be part of this meaningful journey. Professor Samudrika Wijayapala, Designer, Panel Judge “Having evaluated the designers, I have been impressed by the remarkable creativity and originality displayed this year. Beyond technical excellence, many collections reflect meaningful stories of culture, sustainability and inclusion. CCWE Fashion Week is nurturing not only talented designers but responsible creators who understand the power of fashion to influence society.” Gihan Dassanayake, Head Choreographer “Fashion is storytelling through movement. Our responsibility is not simply to create beautiful runway presentations but to allow every model to confidently tell their own story. This year’s choreography reflects the diversity of Sri Lanka and South Asia, bringing together experienced professionals alongside first-time community participants. Watching them walk the same runway with equal confidence truly captures the spirit of inclusion that defines this event. Sherly Jayawardena, Chairperson – Ceylon Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs (CCWE) “CCWE has always believed that entrepreneurship is one of the strongest tools for social and economic transformation. This Fashion Week reflects our vision of building an inclusive ecosystem where women, communities and businesses grow together. Every partnership, every designer and every entrepreneur participating in this event becomes part of a much larger movement to create opportunity for future generations. Dr. Ayanthi Gurusinghe, President – Ceylon Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs (CCWE) “CCWE Fashion Week & International Summit 2026 is much more than a fashion event—it is a national movement for inclusive economic development. Our vision is to weave together entrepreneurs, designers, policymakers, development partners, communities and international delegates onto one platform where opportunity is accessible to everyone. The theme, ‘Threads of Inclusion—Woven from Every Walk of Life,’ reflects our belief that every individual has a story worth celebrating. Whether they are from a rural village, an urban business, a differently-abled community, or an emerging entrepreneurial background, they all deserve visibility and opportunity. Through this initiative, we aspire to position Sri Lanka as South Asia’s leading destination for inclusive fashion, women-led enterprise development and sustainable innovation while creating meaningful economic opportunities that extend well beyond the runway. By Zanita Careem