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 June 19th and 20th, 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.
Reflecting on the success of the event, 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.”
He added, “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.”
About CDB
Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB) is the fourth largest non-bank financial institution in Sri Lanka and is recognised as one of the most innovative financial institutions in the country. Its strong commitment to sustainability, corporate governance, accountability and transparency, CDB’s corporate stewardship also encompasses disrupting the financial services industry with far-reaching technological innovations and cutting-edge financial solutions.
