Gampaha Rathnawali Balika Visionaries Introduce ‘Sri Venture’: Revolutionizing Tourism with a Holistic Approach.
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  • Gampaha Rathnawali Balika Visionaries Introduce ‘Sri Venture’: Revolutionizing Tourism with a Holistic Approach.
Three enterprising students from Gampaha Rathnawali Balika Vidyalaya have brought innovation and creativity to the forefront with their groundbreaking business idea, ‘Sri Venture’—a comprehensive tourism application designed to redefine the tourism ecosystem in Sri Lanka. Their vision goes beyond conventional travel apps, creating a platform that integrates all facets of the tourism sector while empowering local Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
The Concept of ‘Sri Venture’
‘Sri Venture’ is more than just a travel and booking app. It encompasses:
1. Tourist Attraction Bookings: Effortless planning and reservations for popular destinations and hidden gems across Sri Lanka.
2. Local Craftwork and Textiles Marketplace: A platform for MSMEs to showcase and sell their handmade products, apparel, and unique local items.
3. Integrated Ecosystem: Comprehensive support for tourists by connecting them with transportation, accommodations, and dining options, along with personalized recommendations.
4. Cultural Exchange Opportunities: Highlighting cultural experiences and community engagement activities to provide tourists with an authentic Sri Lankan experience.
This innovative application aims to simultaneously elevate the tourism experience and promote sustainable economic growth by providing MSMEs a global platform to reach new audiences.
Unearthing Potential at School Entrepreneurship Circles:-
These visionary students were discovered through the School Entrepreneurship Circles, a program conducted and coordinated by the Industrial Development Board’s (IDB) Entrepreneurship Development Division. The initiative aims to nurture young entrepreneurial talent, encouraging innovative thinking and practical business development skills.
Recognizing the immense potential of the ‘Sri Venture’ concept, IDB invited industry experts to provide constructive feedback and guidance to the students. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of mentorship in translating visionary ideas into actionable solutions.
Expertise from the ICT Industry:-
To support and refine the application’s development, IDB engaged leading professionals from the ICT sector. The event was graced by:
– Mr. Kalinga Ihalagedara, Chief Product Officer, Orel IT
– Mr. Abdul Gaffoor, Chief Quality Officer AI, Orel IT
– Mr. Janaka Mohotti, Project Manager, Sampath IT
– Ms. Hansini Surangi, Senior Business Analyst, Sampath IT
– Mr. Chathura Ishan Dilhara, Tech Lead, Sampath IT
These seasoned experts shared invaluable insights on product development, quality assurance, and user-centric design. Their feedback served to refine the application’s architecture and ensure its alignment with global standards.
Fostering Innovation and Economic Development:-
Mr. Kalinga Ihalagedara lauded the students for their ingenuity, stating, “‘Sri Venture’ has the potential to revolutionize how we perceive tourism in Sri Lanka by integrating technology and local enterprise.” Mr. Abdul Gaffoor emphasized the role of quality and scalability in such initiatives, adding, “This concept can serve as a blueprint for similar endeavors in other sectors.”
Ms. Hansini Surangi and Mr. Chathura Ishan Dilhara encouraged the students to adopt agile methodologies in their development process, ensuring adaptability and continuous improvement.
Inspiring the Next Generation:-
The success of these students underscores the power of combining young talent, mentorship, and institutional support. Their innovative spirit reflects the untapped potential within Sri Lanka’s youth, particularly in leveraging technology for economic development.
As ‘Sri Venture’ continues its journey from concept to reality, it serves as a testament to the impact of school-based entrepreneurial initiatives. With the backing of the IDB and seasoned industry professionals, this application promises to transform tourism and uplift local businesses, paving the way for a brighter future for Sri Lanka’s economy.

Venue: Board Room - IDB