Under the umbrella of CDB’s Sustainability Strategy, the sixth Small and Medium Business (SMB) Fair emerged as a special initiative to champion local enterprise.
On 19 and 20 June, the Kandy’s Sahas Uyana transformed into a catalyst for empowerment, as Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB) notched yet another milestone. Over two vibrant days, more than a thousand visitors per day experienced Sri Lanka’s digital marketplace, celebrating the diversity, resilience, and innovation of small and medium businesses across the nation.
The fair offered a rich tapestry of products and services – from food and beverage stalls to clothing and fashion retailers, accessories, batik creations, handmade bags and agricultural products. For participating merchants, the event was more than a showcase; it was a platform to connect directly with customers. There was a definite expression of appreciation for the opportunity given to merchants, who voiced strong interest in joining future editions. This underscored the fair’s growing reputation as a stimulus for small business growth.
Responding with great enthusiasm to particularly the exclusive 25% cashback offered through CDB SELF QR payments, visitors experienced the seamless digital payment firsthand. The enhanced convenience set a new benchmark for local fairs. Multiple stakeholders commended the initiative as a valuable effort to support Sri Lanka’s SMB community, espousing that it offered access to quality local products.
Senior Assistant General Manager – Finance Chamath Siriwardana emphasised that the fair was more than a marketplace. ‘What we experienced in Kandy surely epitomised the tagline – ‘The Best of Local Business, All in One Place.’ The vibrancy and dynamism of local businesses coming together for the first time in Kandy showcased a tangible impact. It also gave us the energy to go beyond simply showcasing the best of local businesses. We want to support excellence and commit to giving businesses a showcase to thrive.’
‘By empowering SMBs, we know that we are paving the way to create a definite growth trajectory for Sri Lanka’s economy. The Kandy edition has not only celebrated Sri Lankan enterprise but it has also set a replicable standard for future empowerment initiatives nationwide and CDB will be there, as a catalyst to empowering these businesses to be bigger and better,’ Siriwardana added.