SLIM launches SME Development Awards 2024

Gayan Perera

Dr. Dilhan Jayatilleke

Asanka Udayakumara

Kumar Samarasinghe

The second iteration of the SLIM SME Development Awards (SMEDA) 2024, aimed at recognising and rewarding significant achievements among Sri Lankan small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in marketing, branding and sales, has been launched. 

This prestigious event continues its tradition of encouraging SMEs to embrace best practices in sales, marketing and branding, paving the way for their evolution into mainstream businesses. 

The awards promote constructive rivalry among Sri Lankan SMEs, highlighting SLIM’s commitment to marketing as a key economic force. The competition aids organisations in developing strategies that succeed in the marketplace and resonate with consumers.

SLIM President Gayan Perera noted, “The SLIM SME Development Awards embody our commitment to driving economic prosperity by empowering SMEs through marketing excellence.”

Among the main awards are Micro/Small/Medium Enterprise of The Year, Young Start-Up of The Year and others for IT, digital and online businesses, retailing, agriculture and dairy produce, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), hospitality and services, exports, business-to-business (B2B) services, textiles and apparel, construction and real estate, hardware, nutrition, health and wellness, arts and crafts as well as other specialised sectors. The awards will also recognise the Best Innovation to Commercialisation as a special category.

SLIM Vice President Events and Sustainability Dr. Dilhan Jayatilleke emphasised, “SLIM takes pride in organising the 2nd edition of SLIM SME Development Awards. I would like to invite deserving enterprises to come and join hands with SMEDA by sending your applications so that you will be part of a great journey ahead.”

To be eligible, the entity must be a home-grown Sri Lankan company, with its size determined by annual revenue. Micro enterprises must have an annual revenue ranging from Rs.1 million to Rs.15 million, small enterprises between Rs.16 million to Rs.250 million and medium enterprises between Rs.251 million to Rs.750 million. The enterprise must have been operational in Sri Lanka for at least three years, except for the Youth Startup of the Year category, where the requirement is a minimum of two years, with the founder being under 30 years of age at the time of entry. A distinguished panel of judges will evaluate all entrants, starting with the written submission.

SLIM SME Development Awards 2024 Project Chairperson Asanka Udayakumara remarked, “This is a great opportunity for the SME sector to showcase their success stories. Through this effort, SLIM sets a national level benchmark for all SMEs and it will help them reach the next level.”

Head of Jury Kumar Samarasinghe stated, “Over 14 different business sectors will be evaluated across 10 disciplines by an esteemed panel of judges from various industries. By participating in these awards, all applicants will have the opportunity to assess their performance and receive support from SLIM to elevate their businesses to the next level.”

The SLIM SME Development Awards will provide a robust platform for SMEs to showcase their achievements, enhancing their sales, marketing and branding practices. 

For more information, Head of Events Gangani Liyanage can be contacted on 0703266988 or via [email protected] or Event Coordinator Sidharth Ramadas on 0701922623 or via [email protected].