FCCISL launches SME Privilege Card

The Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) has embarked on an ambitious new program that will take the SME sector to the digital era whereby entrepreneurs could experience next generation business solutions coupled with a host of privileges and facilities.

“We have identified several areas that are important for a SME to function effectively and we have brought these in to one common platform through which these services will be provided,” FCCISL President Sarath Kahapalarachchi said at the Entrepreneur of the Year awards ceremony, held recently at Stein Studio, Ratmalana.

He made this announcement after launching the prototype of the FCCISL branded Privilege Card which also has the MasterCard International Debit/Credit facility provided by Commercial Bank of Ceylon (CBSL) and the functionalities of all-purpose Travel App courtesy Dialog’s Touch. 

These unique features are integrated to a common cloud based IT Platform developed by CH17 Ltd., the company which is now taking the lead providing customised loyalty solutions to focused groups and large influential communities thus providing a great opportunity to local retailers to build their own loyalty network.

This SME privilege card program is jointly operated by FCCISL; Commercial Bank and Dialog Touch. Speaking at the launch Kahapalarachchi explained card holders are entitled to various discounts from leading retailers in Sri Lanka. For the first year, membership fee is Rs. 300 and from the second year onward the membership fee is Rs. 200.

According to the National Policy Framework for SME Development which is formulated by Ministry of Industry and commerce, SMEs can be defined as enterprises whose annual turnover do not exceed Rs. 750 million and which employ less than 300 employees. At the initial stage, any SME owner or board of directors in case of limited liability company can apply for the SME Privilege card. Employees of the SMEs also will be entitled to apply for the SME privilege card at the second phase. Anyone who is interested in obtaining this SME Privilege card can forward their applications to FCCISL. The application forms are available in FCCISL website (wwwfccisl.lk).