A capacity building workshop on Strengthening Business Digitization and Product Promotion initiatives among Micro, Small and Medium sized enterprises (MSME’s) with the objective of accelerating progress towards United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) in Sri Lanka, was conducted from 24^th  to 27^th  of October 2023 at the Mandarina Hotel, Colombo 03.

The workshop was organized 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 1,000-youth entrepreneur programme, 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 programme 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 MSME’s to local and export markets.

The program was conducted by a professional team of experts facilitated by the   NCCSL, led by Dr. Lochandana Ranatunga and Mr. 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.

Ms Thilaka Jayasundara and Mr. Ke Liu Clark, United Nations, Department of Economic & Social Affairs (UNDESA/UNDSDG) graced both opening and closing ceremonies while Ms Simrin Singh the country Director ILO Sri Lanka office. Mr Deepal Nelson President National Chamaber of Commerce and distinguished invitees from the Ministry of Industries were also present at the opening ceremony.

The program was 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 digitization 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 Ms. Thilaka Jayasundera, Secretary Ministry of Industries, Mr. Clark, United Nations, Department of Economic & Social Affairs (UNDESA/UNDSDG), Mr. Chamika Godamanna, National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka. Mr. K.M Rizvi, Director, Ministry of Industries and Mr. Padmasiri Gunewardene, Senior consultant who played a key role in initiating and organizing this workshop also were present in both occasions.