SLIM SME Development Awards 2024 concludes with resounding success

From (top) left: SLIM President Professor Dewasiri N. Jayantha, Vice President – Events and Sustainability Enoch Perera, Vice President – Education and Research Dr. Dilhan Sampath Jayatilleke, ASBF Sri Lanka Chapter President Gayan Perera, SMEDA 2024 Project Chairperson Asanka Udayakumara, and SMEDA 2024 Head of Jury Kumar Samarasinghe

• Celebrating Sri Lanka’s pioneering SME entrepreneurs with national recognition

The SLIM SME Development Awards (SMEDA) 2024 concluded on a high note on 28 April at the Monarch Imperial, Colombo, recognising the outstanding contributions of Sri Lanka’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (SMEs). Organised by the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) in collaboration with the Asia Small Business Federation (ASBF) – Sri Lanka Chapter, the event showcased innovation, resilience, and marketing excellence across 14 key sectors.

Adding further prestige to the occasion, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development and Member of Parliament Chathuranga Abeysinghe graced the celebration, reaffirming the Government’s continued support toward SME empowerment. Also present was SLIM Past President and ASBF Sri Lanka Advisor Rohan Somawansa whose presence underscored the importance of regional collaboration and knowledge-sharing in uplifting local enterprises. This year’s edition saw fierce competition among applicants, with a record number of entries submitted from multiple industry sectors across the island.

SLIM President Prof. Dewasiri N. Jayantha emphasised the long-term vision behind SMEDA: “The SLIM SME Development Awards is more than a ceremony; it is a recognition of dreams pursued, obstacles overcome, and new heights reached. At SLIM, we have always believed that marketing excellence is a critical driver of SME growth. With insights from the research conducted by the SLIM Research Bureau, we identified a pressing need: to empower SMEs with the right marketing knowledge and an appreciation for branding, sales, and strategic communication. This awards programme is one of the many ways we are addressing that need. In addition to this, we are planning to support SMEs in their research needs and uplift their skill capabilities through a set of skill development programmes, in collaboration with the Industries and Entrepreneurship Ministry and the Asia Small Business Federation, soon.”

SLIM Vice President – Events and Sustainability Enoch Perera reinforced the purpose behind SMEDA, stating: “SMEDA 2024 is a platform where local MSMEs are nationally recognised. It’s also a celebration of Sri Lankan resilience and entrepreneurship. At SLIM, we’re committed to building lasting platforms that support SME growth beyond the stage. These businesses are the heartbeat of our economy, and through recognition, mentorship, and exposure, we aim to fuel their journey forward.”

SLIM Vice President – Education and Research Dr. Dilhan Sampath Jayatilleke added: “Our mission through SMEDA is to empower SMEs with both recognition and knowledge. Our evaluation process offered real value to participants through insights shared by the panel of judges. Going forward, SLIM will continue to introduce practical learning initiatives tailored for SMEs—because growth begins with insight. I invite all MSMEs to join hands with SLIM to uplift their business skills, knowledge, and competencies.”

ASBF Sri Lanka Chapter President Gayan Perera extended a warm invitation to the entrepreneurial community: “All winners and participants of SMEDA 2024 are invited to become members of the Asia Small Business Federation (ASBF). As members, you’ll gain access to a network of like-minded entrepreneurs, hands-on workshops, advanced training programs, and international collaboration opportunities. Our goal is to empower Sri Lankan SMEs to grow beyond borders—connecting them with global partners, investors, and knowledge hubs. This is just the beginning of a journey to transform local innovation into international success.”

SMEDA 2024 Project Chairperson Asanka Udayakumara remarked: “As the national body of marketing, we are honoured to recognise the best SME entrepreneurs while fulfilling a national responsibility. This initiative not only sets new benchmarks for the sector but also motivates continued excellence. We’ve already planned more initiatives in collaboration with ASBF to support these businesses on their growth journey. My heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to making this event a success.”

SMEDA 2024 Head of Jury Kumar Samarasinghe shared his thoughts on the rigorous selection process and the importance of the awards: “It was not an easy task to evaluate the applicants, as there was stiff competition among the entries. However, the best of the best were selected as winners, and I extend my heartfelt wishes to all of them. I am pleased to note that the winners represented almost every business category in the SME sector, showcasing the sector’s diversity and strength. I also extend my sincere gratitude to the members of the jury panel for their voluntary efforts, and to SLIM and ASBF for organising this exceptional initiative.”