The chairperson of IRSD, Mrs. Shirani Weerakoon, received an opportunity to conduct training sessions at the training programs held on 21.05.2024 and 04.06.2024 organized by Chrysalis at Nawalapitiya and Matale., Sri Lanka, for identifying and inventorying tangible and intangible natural and human geographical resources in rural areas for MSMEs/Livelihood to capitalize through community-based ecotourism. The training title was Countryside Capitalization on MSME/Livelihood through Community-Based Ecotourism.

We, as IRSD would like to extend our sincere thanks to Prof. M.S.M Aslam a member of the advisory panel of IRSD for introducing our chairperson to Mrs. Anusha Nugaliyadda, Area manager- chrysalis Kandy District, Central Province enabling to share her professional knowledge and experience gained from the public service to empower the entrepreneurs who represented three signature tourism sites Located in Nuwara Eliya District and two signature tourism sites Located in Matale District.

Most of the entrepreneurs were at the start-up stage and willing to pursue a career option as an entrepreneur. Many of them have targeted the local and foreign tourists who are visiting the tourist sites located in their villages as well as around their villages. According to the content given to conduct the training program on the above-mentioned dates, the chairperson promoted the knowledge and skills of entrepreneurship of the participants in the above-mentioned five signature tourism sites in two districts enabling them to generate new business ideas focusing on new tourism trends and improve the business already started. During the conversation with the participants, they were given the opportunity to focus their attention look into the challenges that they are facing currently and how they can deal in an entrepreneurial way.

The motivation to develop their own livelihood activities was seen in these entrepreneurs after getting rid of the painful conditions caused by the recent COVID-19 pandemic situation and economic crisis. That – motivation made it easier for the chairperson to conduct the sessions program efficiently and reach the set objectives of the program.

According to their verbal Feedback, participants expressed and demonstrated a positive attitude toward knowledge acquired throughout the day. In this context, it is understood that they will be able to leverage their competitive advantages, address their gaps, seek feedback and support from others, and increase the motivation to perform successfully in their business. In addition to that they were able to understand that what are the services available in the government institutions to support the MSME sector and how important to get these services to strengthen their businesses. As the resource person, the chairperson's observation is that Chrysalis has provided an excellent opportunity for these entrepreneurs living in villages to explore new businesses as well as to build marketing linkages with other stakeholders to improve their economic conditions while contributing to the economic development in Sri Lanka.

Finally, IRSD would like to appreciate the effort taken by Mrs. Anusha Nugaliyadda, Area manager of Chrysalis Kandy District, and her supportive staff for making efforts to empower women and youth to contribute to the economic growth in Sri Lanka.