Sri Lanka SME chamber launches “IEA 2019” awards
The Sri Lanka Chamber of Small and Medium Industries (SLCSMI) will hold its flagship event “Industrial Excellence Awards 2019” which recognises Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises for their achievements and contribution to Sri Lanka’s economic prosperity. The closing date for applications is September 30. This year’s event will be the 12th awards programme and applications can be downloaded from the chamber website www.slcsmi.lk in all three languages. This event has achieved national significance over the years in view of its professionalism and high standards, the chamber said in a media release.
According to Rohan de Silva, Chamber President, “The awards exemplify how businesses can contribute to the sustainable development of the country. We are proud to be conducting the Industrial Excellence Awards for the 12th year and encourage all micro, small and medium entrepreneurs across the country to make use of this opportunity to demonstrate their business success.”
The chamber said that SMEs form the backbone of the economy, generating economic growth and financial stability by creating new employment opportunities; promoting investment and developing skills and also by connecting small and medium enterprises to regional and global markets, technological innovations and knowledge.
SMEs generate 40 per cent of employment and contributes more than 70 per cent to Sri Lanka’s GDP. It also contributes significantly to the export sector in the country. Therefore, it is clear that promoting a sustainable and viable SME sector is essential in the nation’s development and growth.
The winners of the awards will be judged by a panel of representatives from the Board of Investment (BOI), Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA), Industrial Development Board (IDB), Ministry of Industry and Commerce and representatives from the University of Moratuwa.
Awards will be presented to micro, small and medium sector participants under the categories of Platinum, Gold and Silver at national level and Bronze awards at provincial level.