International Network of Elite Women launches Sri Lanka chapter

The International Network of Elite Women (INEW) has launched its Sri Lanka Chapter, marking the network’s entry into the country with an inaugural gathering of accomplished women leaders in Colombo.

The launch, held at a private villa in Colombo 3, brought together distinguished women from the business, diplomatic and professional communities for a substantive discussion on strengthening investment, trade and Sri Lanka’s position in the global arena, while exploring how enterprise can contribute to improving lives at home.

INEW is an international network that connects accomplished women across countries and industries. Rather than functioning as a conventional professional association, it positions itself as a community where members build trusted, long-term relationships that foster collaboration, mentorship and opportunities across borders.

Participants highlighted the importance of shared access and leveraging established international networks to exchange contacts, create new opportunities and connect Sri Lankan enterprises with global markets.

Throughout the discussion, economic aspirations were linked with a broader purpose of enhancing lives and livelihoods through trade, investment and entrepreneurship.

The gathering was attended by two special guests, Miyon Lee, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Sri Lanka, and Madam Khin Sanda Win, who joined discussions on advancing investment and trade opportunities for the country.

The Sri Lanka Chapter aims to connect accomplished Sri Lankan women with an influential global community while providing internationally focused women based in the country with a platform for collaboration beyond national borders. Organisers describe the chapter as a bridge connecting Sri Lankan leadership with networks across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America, creating opportunities for dialogue on new markets, trade, investment and cross-border partnerships among trusted peers.

The chapter is led by Sarrah Sammoon, who serves as Chapter President for both Sri Lanka and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Sammoon, who operates across Sri Lanka and the United States, brings over three decades of experience in international business, global mobility and investment migration.

Her dual appointment reflects a commitment to strengthening connections between countries, and she describes herself as a global citizen working across the two regions she considers home.

“Whether that means learning from how others have built their businesses, reaching new buyers across borders, or creating something extraordinary here at home, this launch was about beginning that conversation among women who can genuinely move it forward,” she said.

Picture: Inaugural launch of the INEW Sri Lanka Chapter, with attendees alongside Chapter President Sarrah Sammoon.