From Tennis Champion to Fashion Entrepreneur: Dinali Kodituwakku Builds Arienti

Former Sri Lanka Women’s National Tennis Champion Dinali Kodituwakku has transformed a career in finance into a successful journey in fashion, building Arienti into a homegrown Sri Lankan womenswear brand.

Founded in 2010, Arienti began with a simple idea — creating practical, comfortable workwear designed for Sri Lankan women. With no previous experience in the fashion industry, Kodituwakku learned the business from the ground up, sourcing fabrics in Pettah, finding manufacturers willing to accept small orders and gaining hands-on knowledge of patterns, production and garment manufacturing.

Over the years, Arienti expanded beyond workwear to include casualwear, linen, kidswear, jewellery and accessories, growing its presence through online platforms and retail stores.

The brand continues to focus on clothing suited to everyday Sri Lankan life, with breathable fabrics, timeless silhouettes, comfort and designs suited to the country’s tropical climate.

A notable part of Arienti’s story is its workforce, with nearly 90% of its employees being women across areas including design, production, retail and leadership.

Through Arienti, Kodituwakku has built more than a fashion label, creating a business centred on women’s careers, local manufacturing and Sri Lankan entrepreneurship.