J’PURA EXPO 2023 is a visionary initiative of the Department of Business Economics at the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Sri Jayewardenepura that comprises a series of events designed to support the growth of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Sri Lanka.

The Inauguration Ceremony and the Industry Forum of J’PURA EXPO 2023 themed “Navigating Growth: Elevating Export Competitiveness” will be held from 4.00 pm to 8.00 pm on the 14th of December 2023 at the Sri Sumangala Auditorium, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.

This forum will feature a distinguished panel, including the participation of prominent figures, Mrs. J.M. Thilaka Jayasundara (Secretary, Ministry of Industries), Dr. Kingsley Bernard (Chairman and CEO, Sri Lanka Export Development Board), Mr. Sudattha Silva (Additional Director General, Sri Lanka Customs), Mr. Sarath Ganegoda (Executive Director, Hayleys PLC), and Ms. Taniya S. Abeysundara (President, Sri Lankan United Business Association and Ceylon United Businesses Alliance) to discuss strategies for enhancing Sri Lanka’s export competitiveness. Prof. Sumudu Perera (Department of Business Economics, University of Sri Jayewardenepura) will serve as the moderator for the forum.

Additionally, the book ‘Guide of Financing Export-oriented SMEs,’ published by the Department of Business Economics, will be officially launched during the Inauguration Ceremony.

During the second phase, an exhibition of products from export-oriented SMEs is scheduled for the 17th of December 2023 at the BMICH premises. Additionally, SMEs will receive guidance at the Exporters’ Hub from representatives of various esteemed organizations including the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Japan, Ministry of Industries, Department of Commerce, Sri Lanka Export Development Board, Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka), marketing experts, and food technologists.

On the same day, SMEs will have the opportunity to gain essential knowledge for successfully entering and expanding into international markets through effective e-commerce strategies and the utilization of social media tools in the workshop titled ‘Empowering SMEs to E-Platforms.’ Additionally, an awareness session titled ‘Safe Labor Migration’ will be conducted by representatives from the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Japan, the International Labour Organization, the International Organization for Migration, and the Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment. The session aims to educate participants about foreign employment opportunities and provide guidance on safe migration procedures.