Today, I have the privilege of speaking with Yanika Amarasekera-Siyaguna, a visionary entrepreneur who has recently been recognized in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2025 list under the Retail & E-Commerce category. A graduate of UC Berkeley and Imperial College London, Yanika is the founder of Silver Aisle, Sri Lanka’s first online wedding registry, launched in 2019.
It was 6:30am, and I may have shrieked slightly, scaring both my husband and our dog in the process. Professionally, it felt rewarding to be recognized for something I’ve poured so much time and energy into.
What began as a pioneering solution for modern gifting has since evolved into a comprehensive lifestyle and e-commerce platform, offering a diverse range of products and experiences, from gifts for various occasions to dining, vacation packages, and lessons in activities like horse riding, golf, and pottery. In addition to her entrepreneurial achievements, Yanika was appointed as an Independent Director of LB Finance in 2023, one of Sri Lanka’s largest finance firms, reflecting her influence and leadership in the corporate sector.
Q: Let’s start at the beginning. Was there a pivotal moment or person in your life that first sparked your passion for what you’ve become today.
More than a pivotal moment, it was a pivotal person, my mum. From the time I was very young, she instilled in me the importance of finding something I love and then working hard to become the best at it. She always emphasized, especially as a woman, the value of being self-sufficient and financially independent. That mindset shaped my drive and ambition from a young age and has come to fruition through Silver Aisle.
Q: How did you react when you found out you were being featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 and what does that recognition mean to you personally and professionally?
It was 6:30am, and I may have shrieked slightly, scaring both my husband and our dog in the process. Professionally, it felt rewarding to be recognized for something I’ve poured so much time and energy into. As most entrepreneurs will relate, start-up life is a relentless, day-in-day-out grind, and at times, it can feel like a thankless job. You constantly question yourself, your business, and whether you’re making the right decisions. It was also a reminder to trust my gut more, because so many of the choices I’ve made have come from instinct. Personally, it validated that I could keep doing what I’m doing while staying true to myself, without needing to conform or be someone I’m not.
Q: Forbes spotlights ‘change-makers’, what change do you hope to leave in the world through your work?
The power of creativity and thinking outside the box.
Q: What was the core vision behind Silver Aisle, and how would you define its role in the Sri Lankan e-commerce landscape today?
Our brand ethos has been and will always remain, quality, curation, and exceptional customer service. This has helped distinguish us from other e-commerce companies, because Silver Aisle is more than just a tech platform; it’s an experience. From the moment a customer visits our website, to the curated offerings they discover, to the level of care at the point of delivery, and of course, the product itself, we try to recreate the feeling you get when walking into your favorite store. That level of attention to detail has helped us carve out a niche that’s distinctly our own.
Q: In your journey so far, how has the definition of leadership changed as you’ve grown?
As I get older, I’m becoming more aware of the complexities and responsibilities that come with age, especially as a woman. It’s taught me the importance of being firm but fair. I’ve learned that flexibility and understanding, when not taken for granted, can go a long way. That’s something I have much more of now than I did when I first started out.
Q: You’re a role model to many now. What’s one unconventional piece of advice you would give to young women entering your field?
That’s such a strange thing to hear; but thank you! It might not sound particularly unconventional, but for young women especially, regardless of the field, the old saying that “who you marry is the most important decision you’ll ever make” really does hold true. Having a partner who supports you, is honest with you, and genuinely roots for you makes a huge difference. It shapes not only what you’re able to achieve, but also how you feel while doing it, with peace of mind and a lot less self-doubt.
Q: How do you stay grounded while building something impactful? Do you have any rituals or habits that help you manage pressure and purpose?
My husband and parents are my happy place - they keep me grounded!
Q: Your work has clearly disrupted or innovated in some way, what do you think is the biggest myth about innovation today?
That you need massive amounts of money or large R&D teams to innovate; that’s definitely a myth. I started my company with a very small investment and was a one-woman show for a long time. Innovation doesn’t always mean big, flashy ideas or convoluted tech; it can be small, incremental changes made along your value chain that, over time, create something disruptive
Q: What excites you most about the future of your industry or the next big step in your journey?
We are in the middle of some exciting expansions; stay tuned!
Q: As a South Asian woman in a global spotlight, how do you navigate identity?
That’s a really interesting question, I don’t think I’ve ever looked at it that way because I’ve never felt boxed into just one version of it. I was raised in Sri Lanka and chose to return after studying abroad, but those five years exposed me to different cultures, people, and ways of thinking. I think my identity is a blend of those influences and don’t feel the need to conform to any single idea of what a South Asian woman ‘should’ be.
Q: How important has mentorship or community been to your journey and how do you pay it forward?
It truly does take a village. Over the years, I’ve been lucky to have incredible support, family, friends, colleagues, mentors, who’ve helped in so many ways. I really do love startup life, and I hope other founders know they can always reach out. I’m more than happy to share what I’ve learned so far, though I still have a long way to go myself.
