Asia Pacific Alliance – Sri Lanka

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A-PAD with UNDP and CBi Enhances Business Diversification Opportunities for MSMEs

A-PAD with UNDP and CBi Enhances Business Diversification Opportunities for MSMEs

Apr 17, 2022

On the 30th and 31st of March, 2022, A-PAD Sri Lanka successfully carried out Business Diversification Handovers to over 120 MSMEs in the Galle, Matara and Hambantota Districts. This was done with coordinating assistance from the Ruhunu Tourism Bureau (RTB), the National Crafts Council (NCC) and the Galle, Matara and Hambantota District Chambers of Commerce.

The items presented were carefully curated to fit the specific requirements of the MSMEs in order to effectively enhance and add value to their businesses. In attendance during the handovers in Hambantota was Ms. Sureka Perera, Programme Quality and Design Analyst, Climate and Environment Team, UNDP. Commending the handover process and the initiative as a whole, Ms. Perera stated that this was a relevant and timely Project, given the current situation in the country, as it provided people in need with supplies that were necessary for the development of their businesses. She explained that the experiences gained from this Project will allow UNDP Sri Lanka to shift more of their focus toward the tourism sector and disaster management.

The Handovers were the last phase of a larger tripartite initiative between UNDP Sri Lanka, the Connecting Business Initiative (CBi) and A-PAD SL, titled “Building Disaster Resilience of MSMEs in the Tourism Sector of Southern Sri Lanka”. The overall objective of this joint initiative was to address and create greater disaster resilience and business continuity among 200 MSMEs in the Southern Province. Ultimately, this was also a vital step in helping the Sri Lanka further its progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Items are handed over to an MSME in Galle
Items handed over to an MSME in Galle
Mr. Firzan Hashim and Mr. Sudesh Kumara (Manager, Matara District Chamber of Commerce) handover items to an MSME in Matara
Items are handed over to an MSME in Matara
MSMEs for the Business Diversification Handover in Matara
Items are handed over to an MSME in Matara
Ms. Sureka Perera (Programme Quality and Design Analyst, Climate and Env Team, UNDP) gives the opening remarks at the Business Diversification Handover in Hambantota
Mr. Ajith Liyanage (Operations Manager, Hambantota District Chamber of Commerce) hands over items to an MSME in Hambantota
Ms. Sureka Perera (UNDP) hands over items to an MSME in Hambantota
MSMEs for the Business Diversification Handover in Hambantota
An MSME receives life jackets for his business in Hambantota