SLIM SME Development Awards returns to champion entrepreneurial excellence

From left:  SMEDA 2026 Deputy Jury Head Dr. Ravi Bamunusinghe, Project Chairman Maduranga Weeratunga, SLIM President Enoch Perera, Vice President - Events And Sustainability 

Rajiv David, Jury Head Dr. Roshan Fernando and SLIM CEO Chamil Wickramasinghe 

The Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) has announced the SLIM SME Development Awards (SMEDA) 2026, continuing its national commitment to recognising and rewarding outstanding achievements among Sri Lanka’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in marketing, branding, sales, innovation and sustainable business growth.

Building on the success of previous editions, SMEDA 2026 aims to encourage enterprises across Sri Lanka to embrace professional marketing practices and strengthen their ability to compete in an evolving marketplace. The awards provide businesses with an opportunity to benchmark their performance against recognised standards while gaining national recognition for their achievements and growth potential.

SLIM President Enoch Perera said: “SMEDA 2026 is more than an awards program. It is an investment in the future of Sri Lankan entrepreneurship. At SLIM, we believe that every successful enterprise begins with a strong market orientation, a compelling brand and a customer-first mindset. Through this initiative, we aim to equip our SMEs with the confidence and recognition they need to grow beyond local markets and compete on the global stage. When our SMEs succeed, Sri Lanka succeeds.”

The awards will recognise enterprises across a diverse range of sectors, reflecting the breadth and contribution of Sri Lanka’s SME economy. As in previous editions, participating businesses will be evaluated across key areas of business and marketing performance by an independent panel of experienced professionals.

SLIM Vice President, Events and Sustainability Rajiv David highlighted the broader purpose of SMEDA 2026 in supporting the continued development of Sri Lanka’s SME sector. He said, “SMEDA 2026 recognises not only business success, but also innovation, resilience and responsible growth. Beyond recognition, the awards provide SMEs with the visibility, credibility and confidence to scale sustainably and pursue global opportunities.”

Vice President, Education and Research, Manthika Ranasinghe, noted that SMEs remain vital contributors to employment creation, innovation and stronger communities. He added that SLIM is committed to supporting their progress through recognition, market-driven development and greater adoption of professional marketing practices.

SMEDA 2026 will continue to recognise micro, small and medium enterprises alongside emerging businesses and sector-specific excellence. The evaluation process will examine how participating organisations have applied marketing, branding, customer focus, innovation and sustainable practices to achieve measurable business progress.

Project Chairman, SLIM SME Development Awards 2026, Maduranga Weeratunga said: “Sri Lanka’s MSMEs represent nearly 80% of all businesses, contribute over 50% to GDP and provide 45% of national employment. Strategic marketing is the bridge connecting local innovation to global value creation. Through SMEDA 2026, we aim to elevate local enterprises into scalable and sustainable brands.”

Head of Jury, Dr. Roshan Fernando said: “Our objective is to recognise organisations that have not only achieved business success but have also demonstrated excellence in marketing, customer focus, innovation and sustainable business practices. SMEDA serves as a benchmark that encourages SMEs to continuously raise their standards.”