This July, we learned from each other, celebrated our rich cultural heritage and invited curious people to hop on and explore the journey towards a better, more regenerative future. Here’s what we accomplished this month!
→ The Hyacinthesis Community Event brought together government representatives, NGOs, industry stakeholders, and community members to explore how water hyacinth can be transformed into a climate solution🪻
The event featured the launch of the documentary ‘Harnessing the Power of Water Hyacinth: A Sri Lankan Story’, followed by insights into the programme’s policy work by Dr. Ananada Mallawatantri and a showcase of the progress made by Cohort 1 artisans by Programme Lead, Lonali Rodrigo. The gathering also created opportunities for participants to connect, exchange ideas, and build partnerships that support a more circular and climate-resilient future.
→ We celebrated the global movement of World Localisation Day by Local Futures in Sri Lanka, which brought together a group of curious individuals to explore what a rooted future could look like across each region through an engaging group activity using the map of Sri Lanka. After a presentation by our Founder Randhula de Silva, participants were moved to discover what localisation looks like in Sri Lanka through thoughtful conversations, perspectives and a shared map of the country 🪷
→ The Hyacinthesis Accelerator concluded a two-day exposure visit designed to encourage peer learning and practical problem-solving 🌿
On the first day, participants visited three established enterprises within the cohort in Kurunegala, where smaller and emerging businesses gained firsthand insights into scaling operations, improving processes, and learning from one another through shared experiences.
The second day took participants to the Mahawewa water body, where they explored a community-led solution to water hyacinth management. They met the local mechanic, Shalila Heshan Dissanayake, who designed an innovation to efficiently clear water hyacinth; an initiative made possible through community funding. The visit highlighted the power of local determination in tackling environmental challenges.
→ The latest Hyacinthesis Accelerator branding workshop brought together experienced mentors to strengthen the cohort’s unique brands. Sugibun Sathiamoorthy, Co-founder of Magic Mango and Alumnus from Accelerator 2020 Dinesh Gratian Perera, Founder of Good folks - shared insights from their experience in brand-building, while Dulana Ethugala and Drew de Silva from Critcap Labs led a hands-on session on memorable marketing, and the importance of strategic branding 🎯
→ The Project Roots Community Event brought together members of the Sri Lankan diaspora, and the local community for an evening of meaningful dialogue and connection. Through guided discussions, participants explored shared challenges, aspirations, and thoughts on ‘Pioneering Regenerative Leadership Sri Lanka’. The event concluded with an open networking session that encouraged relationships and ideas to continue growing.
→ GCF Knuckles Accelerator (Cohort 1) is underway 🌱
20 enterprises have been busy turning insight into action, across 4 workshops held in June and July, the enterprises worked alongside National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA) officers, the Program Management Unit (PMU) Team, and experts to better understand their businesses and identify areas for growth. Based on these finding the enterprises are now set to laying the groundwork for their individual growth journey.
👉🏽Explore the Cohort 1 Introduction Post to meet the cohort and stay tuned for more updates.
GLX Alumni Wins 🌟
→ Alumni Plantation Villa was visited by BBC for an online article featuring the Founder, Ishara De silva and the Senior Buddhist Monk Venerable Dhammaloka. The story was also featured on BBC Radio, including both a recorded and a live interview. Additionally, their film, A Quiet Heart, has been nominated for an award at the Sacred Chakra Film Festival in Canada. Congratulations!
→ Congratulations to Alumni Owita Organics on their ninth anniversary of producing organic fruits and vegetables for a healthier future this month!
→ Congratulations to alumni venture Terapy Ceylon on becoming the Official Tea Partner of Team Sri Lanka for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. By providing Sri Lankan tea to athletes and officials travelling to Glasgow, Terapy Ceylon is proudly sharing a taste of home while showcasing Sri Lanka’s heritage on the global stage ✨
→ Lala Studios, a GLX alumni, has been awarded the ‘Queer Biz Icon’ Award by Youth Pride Sri Lanka, recognising their work as a queer team leading a successful artistic business. A meaningful milestone celebrating creativity, entrepreneurship, and the power of building businesses rooted in identity and purpose!
New here? Good Life X designs regenerative solutions for South Asia’s transition from extractive to thriving systems. We have worked with over 200 businesses and entrepreneurs across food, agriculture, textiles, wellness, technology, and tourism to build models where profit and purpose grow together - like nature intended.