Celebrating Inclusive Growth and Cultural Diversity at Independence Arcade

WINGS: Flight Begins Here brought together a vibrant two-day celebration of inclusive entrepreneurship, pluralism, and community resilience on the 1st and 2nd of August at the Independence Arcade, Colombo.

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Hosted by Chrysalis, a nongovernmental organization with a longstanding commitment to promoting economic independence, dignified work, leadership, and inclusion among underserved populations in Sri Lanka, the event was open to the general public. The Diversity Market offered attendees the opportunity to support and engage with small and medium entrepreneurs from across the country, representing diverse sectors. Visitors also took part in dialogues on private sector contributions to social cohesion and explored Sri Lanka's pluralistic communities through dynamic art performances and interactive initiatives.

WINGS celebrates the achievements made under the Fostering Inclusive Communities and Economies (FICE) project, where 125 local small and medium businesses have been supported to improve their inclusion and green measures to expand the social impacts of their businesses. This project was supported by the Strengthening Social Cohesion and Peace in Sri Lanka (SCOPE) program co-funded by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Foreign Office and is implemented by GIZ in partnership with the Ministry of Justice and National Integration.