GIZ and CCC links up SMEs of North and South

The group of SME operators of from North and South, officials of the GIZ , The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and the regional chambers, who took part in the event posing for a group photograph

GIZ SME Development Program, together with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce successfully conducted the ‘SME-ProLink: Unity Through Business’, an initiative that helped create links between SMEs in the North and Southern region. 

The program, which was held recently in the deep south of Matara, saw nearly 60 SMEs representing the two regions taking part and building relationships, apart from accumulating new knowledge from experts on the different aspects building successful businesses.

Sessions included ‘Quality Standards for F&B SMEs’, presented by Sri Lanka Standards Institute Assistant Director Rasika Waduge, ‘Developments in Food Processing and Quality Enhancement’ by Ruhuna University’s Head of Department of Food Science and Technology (Faculty of Agriculture) Dr. Nilantha Lakshman, ‘Linkages with corporate businesses/Supermarkets’ by Keells Super’s Kanchana Bamunuarachchi and Cargills Ceylon Limited Yasantha De Saram and a presentation on ‘Technological services for improvement of the F & B sector’ conducted by the Industrial Technology Institute’s Senior Deputy Director Dr. Ilmi Hewajulige. 

An awareness session on the importance of obtaining ‘bar codes’ and the process of obtaining a bar code registration was conducted by GS1 Sri Lanka’s Dumi Peiris.

SMEs in the Northern Province (NP) had limited contacts with the SMEs and service providers in the other parts of the country due to the three decade conflict that prevailed in the Island in the past.  Therefore this program, apart from linking up businesses of the two regions also helped to promote social and cultural linkages between the two groups thus helping the communal harmony. GIZ SME Development Program organised this event in partnership with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.

The opening ceremony was graced by GIZ SME Development Program Senior Advisor German Mueller,  Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Secretary General/CEO Mangala Yapa, Provincial Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Sports Secretary Chinthaka Lokuhetti, Industrial Development Authority Director S. Subalingham, Northern Provincial Council U Vidanagamachchi and the President of Matara District Chambers of Commerce and Industry. 

A bakery owner from the North was quoted, “I didn’t know anything about SLS, GMP when I came to participate in the ProLink Program. However, they taught us about standards, SLS certification and GMP. They also gave us the opportunity to directly get in touch with corporates like Cargills. I was happy to meet southern SMEs and believe we need to build links between the North and South SMEs to send products to two regions, especially spices. Our main problem was language. But I managed to speak in English.” 

Thamilini Jegaseelan from Punkuduthivu, who also took part in the event said, “When I came from Punkuduthivu I was nervous. Even though I’m from North, I didn’t know anyone from Jaffna. I’m really happy to get to know people from Jaffna and South. Our company produce palmyrah based food products. For me, the most important learning was about packaging and certification. I also established new contacts with SMEs in South and I wish to expand our business by sending our products to South.” 

A networking dinner between the SMEs of the North and Southern region, and a cultural night was held on the first day of the program to build up synergies between the participants from the two side.

The Sri Lankan-German SME Development Program, implemented by GIZ in cooperation with Ministry of Finance, Sri Lanka, aims to support a cohesive policy framework enabling SMEs to grow in an inclusive and eco-friendly manner. Through a wide range of technical assistance, it helps enhance competitiveness of SMEs through technology transfer, innovation and improved access to finance. The program is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and 

Development (BMZ) of Germany. 

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, the partners of the GIZ in implementing its latest SME-ProLink Project is Sri Lanka’s foremost business Chamber, which has a rich history of 176 years of exemplary service to the business community. Started in the 18th century, primarily to serve the plantation sector, the Chamber has now graduated to the level to mark its presence in every key sector of the Sri Lankan economy and works tirelessly to help Sri Lanka promote trade, investment and tourism relationship with overseas countries.