SLIM Liyaka Mahima Trade Fair witnesses great success

Liyaka Mahima Trade Fair, initiated by SLIM in collaboration with SABAH (SAARC Business Association of Home-Based Workers), was officially declared open on 25th September at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH). The Trade Fair, which was organized under the ‘Restart Sri Lanka’ initiative, concluded on 27th September after a successful exhibition.

The opening ceremony of the trade fair was graced by the Chief Guest, Ms. Chandani Bandara and many distinguished guests including Mr. Ruwan Liyanagamage, Mr. Wasantha Mallikarachchi, Mr. Suranjith Swaris, Mr. Sarath Fernando, Mr. Nishan Nawaratne, Mr. Upul Adikari, and Mr. Nalin Attygalle. The Past Presidents of SLIM as well as Dr. Premasiri Gamage, the President of SABAH Sri Lanka visited the exhibition throughout the course of the three days.

The trade fair showcased sixty-six small-scale (home-based) women entrepreneurs and attracted a significant crowd, contributing to the immense success of the event. This initiative aimed to promote small-scale women entrepreneurs by showcasing their products and services, and elevating the standards and scope of their businesses. This was done with the goal of facilitating them to penetrate and thrive in the extensive markets of Colombo.

The transition from homemaker to a sophisticated business woman is a tiresome task that requires understanding the target market, producing a valuable product or service, focusing on pricing strategies and promoting the business. But this phenomenon is rapidly changing in Sri Lanka with more and more women taking up entrepreneurial activity especially in micro, small and medium scale enterprises with the determination to be successful and contribute to the country’s economy.

SLIM, as the National Body for Marketing, volunteers to support and shoulder the national responsibility, under the Restart Sri Lanka initiative, to uplift women entrepreneurs and guide them to reach their full potential. Being the brainchild of Mr. Roshan Fernando, President of SLIM, ‘Liyaka Mahima’ was conceptualized with the intention of empowering home-based, women entrepreneurs and elevating their businesses to the next level.

Speaking at the event Mr. Roshan Fernando, President of SLIM and initiator of Liyaka Mahima Trade Fair stated, “Liyaka Mahima is one of SLIM’s pioneering projects executed under the Restart Sri Lanka initiative, with the intention of empowering grass root level entrepreneurs, with a special focus on women.  This is a project conceptualized to bring about recognition for home-based women entrepreneurs and to assist them in reaching their full potential in the local market. Through this exclusive programme, SLIM aims to create a favourable environment for women entrepreneurs to thrive in the market place. Ultimately, we expect them to make a significant contribution to the progress of the national economy through their business ventures”.

Dr. Dilhan Jayatilleke, Project Chair for Liyaka Mahima noted the significance of female entrepreneurs, “Following the COVID-19 pandemic, we have identified that female leaders play a vital role in reviving the national economy. SLIM is fulfilling the national responsibility to assist women entrepreneurs to establish their own sustainable brands and make a significant contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country. We believe that it is through the development of start-ups that the country will develop. I would like to thank Mr. Roshan Fernando, President of SLIM and Ms. Thilanka Abeywardena, Vice President – Events of SLIM, who are the masterminds behind this great initiative.  I also would like to extend a note of gratitude to Dr. Premasiri Gamage the President of SABAH as well as Mr. Dinusha Rajarathna, CEO of SABAH for the cooperation extended throughout the journey”.

Mrs. Chandani Bandara – Chairperson, 4Ever Skin Naturals and Chief Guest at Liyaka Mahima acknowledged the contribution made by the exhibition for the betterment of women entrepreneurs. “SLIM, the marketing body of the nation has organised the Trade Fair Liyaka Mahima in collaboration with SABAH, to uplift budding female entrepreneurs. As a female entrepreneur, it’s my pleasure and privilege to take part in the course of empowering these aspiring women, who in reality play a big role in strengthening the national economy. I would like to extend my gratitude to Mr. Roshan Fernando, President of SLIM, Dr. Dilhan Jayatilleke- Project Chair for Liyaka Mahima, and SABAH for initiating this wonderful project”.

As the National Body for Marketing in Sri Lanka, SLIM continues the service to the nation by fostering women’s economic development through enterprise promotion. SLIM proudly shoulders the responsibility of encouraging and empowering women to start their careers as entrepreneurs and become equal stakeholders in guiding the country’s economy into the future.