On 25th March 2009, NPC the Central Province Women’s Chamber of Small Industries and Commerce (CPWCIC), with support from NPC and the Business for Peace Alliance, brought together women members of the business community and community leaders from the three main ethnic communities in the Central Province to celebrate International Women’s Day. The event’s theme was “integration and harmony between all ethnic groups for a better future.” The program included cultural events performed by members of the Sinhala, Hindu, Muslim, Malay and Burger communities. The CPWCIC also gave awards to women in the Central Province who have excelled in entrepreneurship. It was happily noted that there were more than five hundred participants in the event.

The workshop helped to enhance relationships between women members of the Muslim, Sinhala and Tamil business community in the Central Province, especially through the promotion of pluralistic values. It also helped improve women’s ability and interest in engaging in pluralistic peace-building efforts, especially with regards to Islamic conceptions of pluralism. NPC was able to facilitate the sharing of experiences between women entrepreneurs from all ethnic groups. Finally the workshop recognized women entrepreneurs who have excelled in the field of business and/or in serving their community.