Adhisha Dahanayake

Adhisha Dahanayake is a Sri Lankan entrepreneur, business leader, and advocate for inclusive fashion and purpose-driven entrepreneurship. She is the founder of Double XL, the pioneering plus-size fashion brand in Sri Lanka and South Asia. Established in 2010, Double XL was created with a clear mission: to challenge traditional beauty standards and empower individuals to feel confident, valued, and represented in fashion.

With over 16 years of experience in entrepreneurship, brand building, and retail operations, Adhisha has developed a deep understanding of consumer behavior, business resilience, and innovation in emerging markets. Her journey as an entrepreneur began with identifying a major gap in the Sri Lankan fashion industry — the lack of stylish, well-fitting clothing for plus-size individuals. At a time when body diversity was rarely discussed in the fashion space, she made the bold decision to create a brand that celebrated confidence, self-love, and empowerment.

Through determination and a strong sense of purpose, Adhisha built Double XL into a recognizable and respected brand that serves thousands of customers who previously struggled to find fashionable clothing that represented them. The brand’s philosophy, “Beauty Comes in All Sizes,” continues to resonate with a growing community that values authenticity, inclusivity, and personal confidence.

As a founder, Adhisha has been deeply involved in every aspect of the business — from product development and merchandising to brand strategy, customer engagement, and team leadership. This hands-on entrepreneurial experience has given her valuable insights into the realities of building and sustaining a business in a competitive and evolving market.

Throughout her career, Adhisha has demonstrated a strong ability to identify problems and turn them into opportunities for innovation. Her work is driven by the belief that businesses should not only generate profit but also create meaningful social impact.

Because I like to give back to the community and also grow and get exposure.