The Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) has announced the SLIM SME Development Awards (SMEDA) 2026, continuing its national commitment to recognising and rewarding outstanding achievements among Sri Lanka’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in marketing, branding, sales, innovation and sustainable business growth.
Building on the success of previous editions, SMEDA 2026 aims to encourage enterprises across Sri Lanka to embrace professional marketing practices and strengthen their ability to compete in an evolving marketplace.
SLIM President, Enoch Perera, said, “SMEDA 2026 is more than an awards programme. It is an investment in the future of Sri Lankan entrepreneurship. Through this initiative, we aim to equip our SMEs with the confidence and recognition they need to grow beyond local markets and compete on the global stage. When our SMEs succeed, Sri Lanka succeeds.”
The awards will recognise enterprises across a diverse range of sectors, reflecting the breadth and contribution of Sri Lanka’s SME economy. As in previous editions, participating businesses will be evaluated across key areas of business and marketing performance by an independent panel of experienced professionals.
SLIM Vice President, Events and Sustainability, Rajiv David highlighted the broader purpose of SMEDA 2026 in supporting the continued development of Sri Lanka’s SME sector. “SMEDA 2026 recognises not only business success, but also innovation, resilience and responsible growth. Beyond recognition, the awards provide SMEs with the visibility, credibility and confidence to scale sustainably and pursue global opportunities.”
Vice President, Education and Research, Manthika Ranasinghe, noted that SMEs remain vital contributors to employment creation, innovation and stronger communities. He added that SLIM is committed to supporting their progress through recognition, market-driven development and greater adoption of professional marketing practices.
Project Chairman, SLIM SME Development Awards 2026, Maduranga Weeratunga said, “Sri Lanka’s MSMEs represent nearly 80% of all businesses, contribute over 50% to GDP and provide 45% of national employment. Strategic marketing is the bridge connecting local innovation to global value creation. Through SMEDA 2026, we aim to elevate local enterprises into scalable and sustainable brands.”
Picture: Dr. Ravi Bamunusinghe (Deputy Jury Head, SMEDA 2026), Maduranga Weeratunga (Project Chairman - SMEDA 2026), Enoch Perera (President - SLIM), Rajiv David (Vice President - Events and Sustainability), Dr. Roshan Fernando (Jury Head - SMEDA 2026), Chamil Wickramasinghe (CEO - SLIM)
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