EMA SRI LANKA MARKS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY WITH HIGH TEA CELEBRATION

The Event Management Association of Sri Lanka marked International Women’s Day with an elegant High Tea at ITC Ratnadipa in Colombo. The gathering celebrated the achievements of women in the events industry, featuring speeches on empowerment, networking among professionals, and a raffle that added a festive close to the afternoon.

The Event Management Association of Sri Lanka recently marked International Women’s Day with an elegant High Tea gathering that brought together professionals from across the country’s events sector to celebrate the contributions and leadership of women within the industry.

Held at the Ahasa venue of ITC Ratnadipa, the afternoon event served as both a celebration and a platform for dialogue, highlighting the growing influence of women in shaping the professional events landscape in Sri Lanka. Members of the association, industry stakeholders and invited guests attended the occasion, which combined formal addresses with opportunities for networking and reflection.

The event was attended by senior office bearers of the Event Management Association of Sri Lanka, including President Saliya Weerasekera, Vice Presidents Bathiya Jayakody and Gayan Attanayake, and Secretary Uzmaan Ghouse. Their presence underscored the association’s continued commitment to supporting professional growth and inclusivity within the industry.

The formal proceedings featured a keynote address by Vice President Bathiya Jayakody, who spoke on the evolving role of women in business and the importance of fostering leadership opportunities across sectors. Emphasising empowerment and representation, he noted that the events industry is increasingly shaped by women who are not only organisers and creatives but also decision-makers driving innovation and strategic direction.

Jayakody highlighted the association’s commitment to cultivating an environment where women can thrive professionally, pointing to initiatives aimed at strengthening participation, mentorship and collaboration across the industry. His address resonated with attendees, many of whom represent a growing generation of female professionals contributing to Sri Lanka’s dynamic events sector.

Closing the formal segment of the afternoon, Secretary Uzmaan Ghouse delivered an informal and humorous address that drew warm responses from the audience. His remarks struck a balance between recognising professional achievements and celebrating the camaraderie that has come to define the association’s community of members.

The High Tea concluded with a raffle draw that added an element of excitement to the event. One lucky female attendee won the grand prize — a luxury food and beverage voucher at ITC Ratnadipa, the venue hosting the celebrations.

Participants embraced the occasion with a “Smart Casual” dress code complemented by accents of pink and purple, colours widely associated with International Women’s Day. The vibrant palette added to the festive atmosphere, reflecting both solidarity and appreciation for the women whose efforts continue to shape the events industry.

As Sri Lanka’s leading professional body representing the events sector, the Event Management Association plays a key role in promoting industry standards, supporting professional development and advocating for stakeholders across the field. Through initiatives such as the International Women’s Day High Tea, the organisation aims to recognise talent, encourage dialogue and foster a more inclusive future for the profession.