In a landmark move set to reshape the entrepreneurial landscape of Sri Lanka, JXG has joined forces with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce to officially launch BREAKTHROUGH, an ambitious new program dedicated to advancing national entrepreneur development. The formal launch ceremony brought together some of the country's most influential business leaders and industry stakeholders, signaling a powerful commitment to nurturing the next generation of Sri Lankan entrepreneurs and strengthening the nation's economic foundation from the ground up.
A Historic Partnership for Economic Growth
The launch of BREAKTHROUGH marks a defining moment in Sri Lanka's business development journey. Representatives from the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, including Shiran Fernando, Secretary General and CEO, Manori Dissanayaka, Senior Assistant Secretary General, and Dr. Nirmal De Silva, Lead Consultant, were joined by Krishan Balendra, Chairperson, to formalize the partnership with JXG. A ceremonial cheque exchange took place to officially mark the occasion, underscoring the tangible financial and institutional commitment both organizations are bringing to this initiative.
From the JXG side, the ceremony featured the presence of C.T.A. Schaffter, Founder and Chairman Emeritus, alongside Ramesh Schaffter, MD and Group CEO, and Dilshan Wirasekara, reflecting the organization's deep-rooted dedication to community development and economic empowerment. The gathering of such distinguished figures from both the private sector and the chamber of commerce illustrates the broad-based support that BREAKTHROUGH has already garnered ahead of its full rollout.
What Is BREAKTHROUGH?
BREAKTHROUGH is a comprehensive entrepreneur development program designed to equip aspiring and existing business owners with the skills, knowledge, resources, and networks they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. Unlike conventional training programs, BREAKTHROUGH aims to take a holistic approach — addressing not only the technical and financial aspects of running a business but also the mindset, leadership qualities, and strategic thinking that separate successful entrepreneurs from the rest.
The program is expected to reach entrepreneurs across various sectors and regions of Sri Lanka, ensuring that the benefits of structured business development are not confined to urban centers but extend to emerging entrepreneurs in every corner of the island. This inclusive vision aligns closely with national economic development goals and the broader mission of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce to foster a vibrant, resilient, and diverse business community.
Why BREAKTHROUGH Matters Now
Sri Lanka's economy has faced significant headwinds in recent years, making the cultivation of a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem more critical than ever. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) form the backbone of the Sri Lankan economy, contributing substantially to employment, innovation, and GDP growth. However, many entrepreneurs continue to struggle with access to mentorship, funding, market connectivity, and structured guidance — gaps that BREAKTHROUGH is specifically designed to bridge.
By leveraging the extensive network and institutional credibility of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, combined with JXG's resources and entrepreneurial expertise, BREAKTHROUGH is uniquely positioned to deliver meaningful, measurable impact. The collaboration brings together the best of both worlds: the reach and authority of one of Sri Lanka's oldest and most respected chambers of commerce, and the dynamic, forward-thinking energy of JXG.
Building a Sustainable Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
One of the key pillars of BREAKTHROUGH is sustainability. The program is not envisioned as a one-time intervention but rather as an ongoing, evolving platform that grows alongside the entrepreneurs it serves. Participants can expect access to expert mentorship, workshops, peer learning networks, and opportunities to connect with investors and industry leaders who can help take their ventures to the next level.
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has long been at the forefront of advocating for policies and programs that support business growth in Sri Lanka. Its involvement in BREAKTHROUGH lends the initiative significant institutional weight and ensures that participants will have access to a wide range of resources, including policy advocacy support, international trade connections, and industry-specific guidance.
A Vision for the Future
The launch of BREAKTHROUGH sends a clear and encouraging message to entrepreneurs across Sri Lanka: the country's leading institutions are investing in their success. With the combined strength of JXG and the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce behind it, the program has the potential to become a cornerstone of national entrepreneur development for years to come.
As Sri Lanka continues its journey toward economic recovery and sustainable growth, initiatives like BREAKTHROUGH serve as powerful reminders that innovation, resilience, and collaboration are the true engines of progress. The program's launch is not just a milestone for JXG and the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce — it is a milestone for every entrepreneur in Sri Lanka who dares to dream bigger and build bolder.
With BREAKTHROUGH now officially underway, the future of Sri Lankan entrepreneurship looks more promising than ever.