40 Local Entrepreneurs Graduate with Diplomas in Business Management from UNITAR International University
Colombo, Sri Lanka – [XX Month] 2025 – Uber Eats, Sri Lanka’s leading delivery platform for food, groceries, and more, has taken a significant step forward in its mission to uplift small businesses across the island. In a landmark initiative, 40 merchant partners on the Uber Eats platform graduated with a Diploma in Business Management from UNITAR International University, Malaysia, delivered in collaboration with the Institute of Governance and Compliance (IGC).
This fully sponsored executive education program provided merchant partners with in-depth knowledge in business strategy, financial planning, marketing, and leadership, aiming to help them grow and improve their businesses sustainably.
The graduation ceremony was graced by Hon’ble Deputy Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, Chathuranga Abeysinghe, as Chief Guest. He was joined by Samadhie Bandara, CEO & Executive Vice President of IGC, and Varun Wijewardana, Country Manager – Delivery, Uber Eats Sri Lanka.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe stated:
“Empowering small businesses with education is one of the most sustainable ways to drive economic growth and job creation in Sri Lanka. I commend Uber Eats for investing in our local entrepreneurs and helping equip them with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving marketplace. Initiatives like these strengthen not just individual businesses, but entire communities.”
Varun Wijewardana, Country Manager for Uber Eats Sri Lanka, added:
“At Uber, we recognize the transformative power of continued learning. This initiative reflects our belief in education as a catalyst for empowering entrepreneurs and uplifting small businesses. By equipping our merchant partners with essential business knowledge, we are laying a strong foundation for their long-term success and sustainable growth.”
The diploma program builds on Uber’s broader commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs. Past initiatives include the Uber Springboard program, which provided mentorship to selected startups, and the Uber Entrepreneurship Challenge, which celebrated innovation from both merchant partners and couriers.
Since launching in Sri Lanka in 2018, Uber Eats has rapidly expanded its services and geographic reach. Most recently, the platform launched operations in Anuradhapura, following earlier expansions to Matara, Weligama, and Mirissa in February, and Koggala, Talpe, and Ahangama in December 2024, strengthening its presence along the Southern Coast.
About Uber Eats
Uber Eats connects people with local restaurants, grocery stores, and a wide range of other retailers — delivering everything from cooked meals and groceries to flowers, beauty products, pet supplies, and more. Leveraging Uber’s global technology and logistics expertise, Uber Eats has introduced features such as same-day grocery delivery and sustainable delivery options to enhance the customer experience across multiple cities in Sri Lanka.
