Sri Lanka’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) gained a valuable platform to explore new markets, financing opportunities, business partnerships and professional support at the National SME Forum “Scale Up 2.0”, organised by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.

Held on 11 August 2026 at Taj Samudra Colombo, the forum brought together SMEs, policymakers, financial institutions, corporates and business-support organisations with the aim of creating stronger connections across Sri Lanka’s SME growth ecosystem.

The forum focused on key challenges that influence the ability of SMEs to expand and become more competitive. Discussions covered market access, procurement opportunities, standards and certification, investment readiness, financing, digital adoption and business development.

The keynote address was delivered by Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, who attended the event as Chief Guest. Krishan Balendra, Chairperson of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, delivered the welcome address, while Shiran Fernando, Secretary General and CEO of the Ceylon Chamber, provided an update on the progress achieved since the first Scale Up forum. Avanthi Colombage, Country Manager for Visa – Sri Lanka and the Maldives, also delivered a special address.

A major focus of Scale Up 2.0 was helping SMEs gain access to domestic and international markets and establish connections with larger companies and supply chains. Participants also explored the importance of meeting evolving standards, testing and certification requirements to strengthen their ability to work with customers and business partners.

The forum further addressed challenges associated with moving businesses into their next stage of development, including access to finance, investment readiness, corporate governance, taxation and the development of structured and scalable business models.

Beyond panel discussions and presentations, the event provided practical opportunities for SMEs to establish commercial relationships. A networking lunch and exhibition enabled businesses to engage directly with participating organisations, while corporate networking sessions facilitated connections through procurement desks, thematic cluster tables and business advisory services.

These initiatives gave SMEs the opportunity to discuss procurement requirements, potential partnerships, sector-specific opportunities and areas where they could obtain professional or technical assistance.

By bringing together SMEs, policymakers, corporates, financial institutions and business-support organisations, Scale Up 2.0 strengthened connections between the various stakeholders that contribute to SME development and growth in Sri Lanka.

The National SME Forum 2026 was supported by Visa as Platinum Partner, with CA Sri Lanka, Colombo Stock Exchange, PickMe, Sampath Bank, DHL, LankaPay, Janashakthi Group and Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation General Ltd. serving as Strategic Partners. SLT Mobitel and Pulse supported the event as Media and Telecommunications Partners, while Taj Samudra Colombo served as Hospitality Partner and Bank of Ceylon as the Official Banking and Financial Services Partner.

The forum represents an important step towards creating a more connected and supportive business environment for Sri Lankan SMEs, helping them improve competitiveness, access new opportunities and build sustainable foundations for long-term growth.