Meet Dr. Anuradha Wickramasinghe
A visionary leader at the intersection of corporate leadership, fashion, and women’s empowerment, Dr. Anuradha Wickramasinghe has forged a remarkable career that seamlessly blends business acumen with creative passion. Based in Colombo, Sri Lanka, she is the founder of AYÃT Couture, a luxury ethnic fashion brand redefining the way women embrace tradition and modernity.
Before making her mark in the fashion industry, Dr. Anuradha was a highly accomplished HR professional, earning prestigious accolades for her leadership, team-building, and innovative employee engagement strategies. Her journey from corporate leadership to the world of fashion was fueled by a singular vision; to empower women through leadership, mentorship, and self–expression.
A Transformative HR Career: Leading with Empathy and Vision
Dr. Anuradha’s career began in Human Resources, where she quickly rose to prominence for her strategic leadership and people-centric approach. She has been instrumental in reshaping HR from a compliance-focused function to a key driver of organizational success. Her leadership has been defined by her ability to create environments where individuals thrive, fostering cultures of trust, accountability, and collaboration.
Throughout her career, she has actively challenged the systemic biases and misogynistic cultures that often hinder women’s progress in the corporate world. These experiences fueled her desire to break barriers and build spaces where women could flourish. Her dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion has not gone unnoticed. Recognized as the International Woman Icon by Times Women in 2021 and 2022, she has consistently advocated for workplace policies that prioritize merit, creativity, and equity over gender-based biases.
“Companies succeed or fail based on how well they leverage their people,” she asserts, emphasizing the power of a supportive workplace.
The Birth of AYÃT: Where Luxury Meets Empowerment
Driven by her passion for elevating women’s confidence and self-expression, Dr. Anuradha transitioned into the world of luxury ethnic fashion with the launch of AYÃT Couture. AYÃT was founded on a bold principle: to redefine ethnic wear by making it a symbol of strength, grace, and individuality. The brand is not just about clothing, it’s a statement.
AYÃT’s innovative “Don’t drape your saree; Wear It” concept revolutionized traditional attire, offering busy women a hassle-free way to embrace their cultural heritage with elegance. By fusing ancient craftsmanship with modern designs, AYÃT has redefined sarees as a symbol of both tradition and empowerment. Whether worn for a wedding, a corporate event, or a casual gathering, an AYÃT saree is more than fabric, it is confidence woven into art. Discover AYÃT’s elegant designs here.
“At AYÂT, we honor the beauty, elegance, and rich heritage of sarees, showcasing their timeless appeal.”
AYÂT Couture: Redefining Fusion Fashion & Cultural Elegance
In the ever-evolving world of fashion, few brands have managed to carve out a niche as unique as AYÂT Couture. Founded by Dr. Anuradha Wickramasinghe, AYÂT has emerged as a defining force in Sri Lanka’s fashion industry, redefining the landscape of fusion fashion.
What sets AYÂT Couture apart is its ability to blend South Asian heritage with contemporary global fashion, creating garments that honor tradition while embracing modern aesthetics. Every piece at AYÃT Couture is crafted with luxury, elegance, and grace, embodying a deep respect for traditional craftsmanship while incorporating contemporary aesthetics. The brand’s designs are a fusion of culture and modernity, offering women the freedom to embrace their femininity with confidence. More than just a clothing brand, AYÂT Couture is an experience. Dr. Anuradha’s vision extends beyond design, fostering a lifestyle that celebrates individuality, empowerment, and sophistication.
AYÃT isn’t just about fashion; it’s about supporting women every step of the way, from ethical practices to designs that celebrate confidence.
Championing Women Through Fashion & Leadership
Dr. Anuradha’s impact extends far beyond luxury couture. She has been a champion for women’s empowerment, using her platform to support women in leadership, business, and creative industries. Through mentorship, advocacy, and innovative fashion, she continues to uplift women by giving them the tools to embrace their full potential.
“Empowered women empower women. When you succeed, you must turn around and help another woman step up,” she says passionately. This belief is deeply embedded in the brand’s ethos.
In addition to leading AYÃT, she is spearheading Lush Youth, a fully organic cosmetics line that aligns with her commitment to quality and ethical sourcing. Just as she revolutionized ethnic wear, she is now setting new standards in the beauty industry ensuring that sustainability and luxury go hand in hand.
Her influence also extends into leadership coaching and advocacy. As the founder of the GLOW Program (Global Organization of Women Leaders), she has helped hundreds of women develop leadership skills, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial confidence.
“GLOW embodies the essence of empowerment, helping women step into their power and inspiring them to uplift others,” she reflects.
A Legacy of Impact and Inspiration
Dr. Anuradha Wickramasinghe’s journey reflects the power of resilience, vision, and purpose-driven leadership. Whether in HR, fashion, or women’s advocacy, she has consistently broken barriers and redefined what it means to be a leader. For young professionals aspiring to build impactful careers, she offers this advice:
“Authenticity is your greatest asset. Stay true to your values, build meaningful connections, and embrace change with an open mind.”
As she continues to lead with purpose and passion, Dr. Wickramasinghe remains dedicated to shaping industries, empowering individuals, and creating a world where every woman has the opportunity to thrive.
Editorial Note
Dr. Anuradha Wickramasinghe’s extraordinary journey from award-winning HR leader to visionary fashion entrepreneur reflects resilience, ambition, and purpose-driven leadership. Through AYÂT Couture, she has not only redefined luxury ethnic fashion but has also created a platform for women’s empowerment through style and confidence.
We Want to Read Your Story in Executives Diary – Preserving Human History and Wisdom
Behind every brand, there is a brain that molds and folds startups into established brands, and behind every brand, there are professionals who drive the business in new directions. If you are a founder or an executive, we want to read and preserve your story.
Executives Diary is an invite-only network, ensuring that every story shared on our platform is authentic. If you’d like to share your journey, reach out to us at mystory@executivesdiary.com.
Our mission is to become the world’s largest platform for storytelling. We look forward to hearing your story!
