WUSC & Lanka Impact Investing Network: Promoting Social Entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka

By Silvina Antunes, 1st year MDP student

WUSC summer students at orientation (Silvina on far right)

This summer, I am completing my international field placement in Colombo, Sri Lanka at Lanka Impact Investing Network (LIIN), an organization that is partnered with World University Service of Canada (WUSC), and shares the goal of promoting economic development in Sri Lanka.

LIIN works to connect social entrepreneurs and small social enterprises with investors who can help them financially to scale-up but also in mentorship and logistical matters. LIIN places focus on youth and women entrepreneurs as they are currently underrepresented in the workforce here in Sri Lanka. 

My primary role this summer is to help organize and arrange a conference that is being held at the end of July to help educate and garner the support of more investors so that more social enterprises will have access to funds to grow their businesses. This includes creating conference materials, connecting with potential investors or interested parties, reporting on current initiatives of LIIN and doing research into what impact investing looks like elsewhere in the world and how this can be relevant to Sri Lanka.

We are feeling hopeful that this conference will lead to expansion of the current network of impact investors as well as the development of a social impact fund that social entrepreneurs can tap into. I have also had the opportunity to participate in various meetings with UNDP and other organizations that LIIN is working in partnership with. 

LIIN's Impact Investing Conference Promotional Poster

So far, this placement has been an exceptional learning experience for me. Most of my experience is related to development and non-profit work so working with private sector actors is quite a jump. It is interesting to observe the different mindsets and methods of doing things in bringing private sector investors into the development field.

It has been very uplifting and inspiring to see so many prominent Sri Lankan business leaders interested in how they can get involved in improving the livelihoods of others. I have also been able to hone in on my writing and communication skills through various tasks which has certainly been positive. My coworkers have been so lovely and have helped me so much in adapting the different culture and work context.

I feel so grateful to be here and I can’t wait for what the next couple months have in store!