REN Store to support MSMEs in Sri Lanka

Friday, 20 August 2021 02:42 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Roshan Fernando

The Rural Enterprise Network (REN) store is scheduled to be launched to both Sri Lankan and international consumers on 21 August online. A social enterprise that focuses on the development of rural micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by supplying them with extensive marketing support, the REN Store strives to be the future of MSMEs.

Backed by a group of well-experienced professionals, REN is a social marketing organisation in Sri Lanka. Since 2002, it has helped numerous aspiring entrepreneurs and producers to improve their business performance and product quality.

Spearheaded by President Roshan Fernando, the REN Store was established with the vision of ‘Eradicating poverty in Sri Lanka through the development of rural MSME producers’. Fernando is no stranger to the struggle of MSMEs as the most immediate Past President of SLIM. Following his successful tenure, he has an in depth understanding of the struggles of MSMEs and has taken the initiative to establish a platform across which they can trade their products.

With product categories ranging from home and lifestyle to personal to food and beverages, the REN Store facilitates accessibility to Sri Lankan homeware, living and cuisine. The product portfolio promises to represent traditional industries suitable for today, fulfilling the tagline of ‘Rural freshness to urban life’.

Speaking on the impact of the REN Store, Fernando commented: “The REN Store is a cause that impacts the economy and the living standards of the rural community. By providing rural MSMEs with the necessary resources inclusive of a platform via which to sell their products online, we strive to enable these MSMEs to access both local and international markets. Understanding the toils of many rural families during COVID-19, we have recognised the necessity for supporting our fellow Sri Lankans and empowering them to achieve self-sufficiency by carrying out their business online. We will continue to strive to support MSMEs and expand so as to ensure that more rural communities have access to the benefits of a common network.”

The REN Store will be launched virtually at Sri Lanka Day in Los Angeles. When the annual Sri Lanka Day was celebrated in the historic city of Pasadena in 2019, thousands of visitors watched mesmerised by a miniature Kandy Perahera with decorated elephants on rollers and traditional Sri Lankan dancers that paraded the streets of Los Angeles. That day, Sri Lanka took its rightful place among the ethnic festivals held in America. This year, Sri Lanka Day 2021 will reach millions of viewers across the globe virtually via live shows. An elaborate public celebration that will highlight historical heritage, culture, and traditions of Sri Lanka to the world, it is the ideal platform for the launch of the REN Store. All Sri Lankans across the globe are invited and encouraged to visit the website www.resnsrilanka.com to experience and celebrate Sri Lanka while supporting an MSME producer.