This event marked the next phase of the Group’s visionary ‘Thalir’ initiative, launched just a few months ago to uplift aspiring entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka’s Northern Region under the Northern Development Programme of David Pieris Group.
Meaning “sprout” in Tamil, Thalir reflects the spirit of growth and fresh beginnings—an apt symbol for the energy and ambition of the young business minds now poised to make their mark.
Designed to provide both capital and mentorship, the programme aims to support scalable business ventures across key sectors including automotive, logistics, information technology, agriculture, tourism and exports.
The ceremony saw four individuals each receiving grants of Rs. 500,000 to kickstart their business ideas, while three standout ventures secured convertible funding totaling approximately Rs. 20 million.
These entrepreneurs were selected from over 100 applicants, with 26 shortlisted for the second-round workshop designed to assess project viability, innovation and community impact.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Jeyaraj Sayanthan, Project Lead – Thalir and Group Chief Information Officer of David Pieris Holdings (Private) Limited, noted,
“We were impressed by the sheer creativity and commitment shown by these young visionaries.
Thalir is not just a funding programme—it’s a platform to inspire long-term economic growth in the North through sustainable, forward-thinking entrepreneurship.”
The occasion was graced by Mr. Rohana Dissanayake, Group Chairman and Managing Director of David Pieris Group, who served as the Chief Guest.
The event also welcomed Mr. Jekhan Arulliah, Northern Entrepreneurial Consultant and Project Consultant and senior leadership from the Group and its companies.
Thalir is part of a broader northern development strategy initiated by the David Pieris Group in 2021 under the guidance of Mr. Pieris.
Over the years, the Group has introduced a range of impactful initiatives in the region—from launching an automotive workshop in Jaffna and introducing a pioneering electric three-wheeler taxi service under the e-Drive brand, to advancing women’s empowerment programmes and establishing a modern IT Development Centre in Jaffna.
In parallel, the Group’s financial services arm, Assetline Finance Limited, has provided critical support to SMEs, agriculture and the fishing sector, while community-driven projects have enhanced access to education, health, sports, clean water and sanitation—elevating the quality of life for thousands in the North.
Thalir stands as the Group’s latest pledge to nurturing homegrown enterprise by blending financial backing with strategic mentorship.
The selected entrepreneurs will now begin their journey with guidance from industry experts, ensuring their ventures have the structure and support needed to thrive—not only for profit, but for long-lasting community impact.
For more information on Thalir and its upcoming phases, please visit www.dpg.lk/thalir.