Capacity building workshop towards digitisation of MSMEs in Sri Lanka

A capacity-building workshop on Strengthening Business Digitisation and Product Promotion initiatives among Micro, Small and Medium sized enterprises (MSMEs) for accelerating progress towards United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Sri Lanka, was conducted from 24 to 27 October, at the Mandarina Hotel, Colombo 3.

The workshop was organised by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DSDG/DESA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Industries, Sri Lanka and the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) partnered as the technical training provider. The workshop was closely aligned with the 1000-youth entrepreneur program, a pilot project launched by the Ministry of Industries in Gampaha District. A total of 50 participants which included 35 entrepreneurs from the 1000 youth entrepreneur program and 15 government officers providing support services to the project participated in the workshop.

During the four-day deliberations the participants received comprehensive practical oriented training on adopting and developing digital and e-commerce platforms to market and promote the production of the MSMEs to local and export markets.

The program was conducted by a professional team of experts facilitated by the NCCSL, led by Dr. Lochandaka Ranatunga and Pranama Munasinghe, which covered the theory and practice on introduction to E-commerce and Digital Marketing Strategies, Effective online marketing strategies, Building and managing e-commerce business, Advanced strategies and integration. The participants were privileged to design and develop their own webpages and social media communication platforms during the workshop with the assistance of the trainers who facilitated the program in trilingual capability.

The inauguration ceremony of the workshop was held on 24 October 2023 which was graced by Industries Ministry Secretary Thilaka Jayasundera as the chief guest. ILO Country Director Simran Singh, United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA/UNDSDG) Ke Liu Clark, National Chamber of Commerce President Deepal Nelson, Additional District Secretary, District Secretariat Gampaha J.W.S. Kithsiri participated as special guests. Senior officials of the Industries Ministry, ILO Sri Lanka Country Office Erandika Dissanayake and Asitha Senevirathne were also present at the occasion as special invitees.

The program concluded with an evaluation session in which they provided their feedback on the value of receiving such a timely and important learning experience to adopt digitisation and marketing promotions through e-commerce. An international evaluator appointed by the UNDSEA was also present as an observer throughout the four-day session.

The certificate award ceremony was held on the final day of the workshop attended by Industries Ministry Secretary Thilaka Jayasundera, UNDESA/UNDSDG Ke Liu Clark, Sri Lanka National Chamber of Commerce Chamika Godamanna. Industries Ministry Director K.M Rizvi and Senior Consultant Padmasiri Gunewardene, who played a key role in initiating and organising this workshop also were present at both occasions.