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News · 12 September 2019

Kwita Izina Gorilla Baby Naming Ceremony

Otara Gunewardene was recently invited by the Rwandan Government as an honorary guest to name a baby gorilla at the national Kwita Izina naming ceremony. Kwita Izina is a traditional naming ceremony in which new born baby Gorillas are named by conservation, business, sports, fashion and show biz icons from around the w

Article · 10 September 2019

Otara Gunewardene joins Lahiru Mudalige on Hari TV

Otara Gunewardene was recently interviewed on Stand by with Lahiru, on Hari TV. The interview focused on Otara’s career and her entrepreneurial journey, from selling clothes to raise funds for animal welfare, building one of the most successful fashion retail brands, to selling the company to devote her time to Embark,

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News · 27 August 2019

Sri Lanka Customs Toastmasters Event

Otara was recently invited to speak at the Sri Lanka Customs Toastmasters Event. The aim of the program was to encourage and inspire members of the Toastmasters Club. In this dynamic Q&A Otara shared her entrepreneurial journey, how she built the Odel brand and handled the challenges that came her way. She also spoke a

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News · 3 August 2019

Otara & Embark in Japan

Otara recently formed a partnership with an innovative and talented team to explore more opportunities in expanding the Embark brand in Japan. This was followed by an Embark pop-up stall at the Sri Lanka Festival, Tokyo which aimed to spread the message of Sri Lanka’s Street Dogs. “When I started #Embark over 12 years

News · 1 August 2019

Visit to the Attidiya Wildlife Rescue Centre

Otara recently paid a visit to the Attidiya Wildlife Centre which is managed by the Wildlife Department of Sri Lanka. The sanctuary is home to injured and rescued animals who are receiving much-needed treatment. Many of these animals are wounded or sick due to cruelty, habitat loss, electrocution and more. They require

News · 29 July 2019

Interview with Ada Derana Biz 24

Otara was recently interviewed by Ada Derana Biz 24. The discussion explored the context of local business development in the aftermath of the Easter Sunday bombings, along with a brief discussion on the importance of environmental conservation. Click here to see more;

Speech at the Board of Investment at the “Reach the Peak” Program

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News · 22 July 2019

Speech at the Board of Investment at the “Reach the Peak” Program

Otara Gunewardene was invited to speak at the Board Of Investment’s “Reach the Peak” program held at the Board’s Auditorium. The program is intended to inspire and encourage the BOI staff to reach aspirations they might have. The speech focused on branding, marketing and entrepreneurship where Otara shared stories of h

News · 22 July 2019

Wilpattu Reforestation project

Otara Gunewardene met with Commander Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake and joined the Sri Lanka Army to support the Wilpattu Reforestation Program. She discussed the progress of the Wilpattu Reforestation program with Major Kumudu Perera and Colonel Ravi Herath, after which she planted a kumbuk tree in support of th

News · 15 July 2019

Planning Playbook by SNIPEXX

Otara was recently part of a panel discussion on “Planning in Crisis” and speaking on how to survive and thrive in tough times. A considerable part of the business brainstorming session centered on how leaders managed their industries during Sri Lanka’s 30-year-old war and the invaluable lessons learned from it. Otara