‘Independence Market’: Sri Lanka’s first shoppertainment experience launched

From left: Katana upcycle Director Jayantha Rathnayake, Minister of Trade for Sri Lanka Dr. Bandula Gunawardana, Independence Market Founder Udara Rathnayake, News Publisher Founder Fiona Nanayakkara

Minister of Trade for Sri Lanka Dr. Bandula Gunawardana

Independence Market Founder Udara Rathnayake

Showtown Director Bathiya Jayakody

Sri Lanka’s first shoppertainment experience – ‘Independence Market’ was launched at the Independence Arcade on 12 December in the presence of Chief Guest Minister of Trade for Sri Lanka Dr. Bandula Gunawardana and Guest of Honour Minister of Youth and Sports for Sri Lanka Namal Rajapaksa. 

The launch event which provided attendees with live music and entertainment welcomed over 50 local entrepreneurs from the food and beverage, arts and crafts, handloom and batik industries.

With the primary objective of the Independence Market to support and empower local entrepreneurs given the prevailing economic conditions, the project also welcomed new partners – Bathiya and Santhush of ‘Showtown’ – to further promote their upcoming weekly events as they aid in creating a sustainable network of local entrepreneurs.

Commenting on the successful launch of the Independence Market, Founder Udara Rathnayake said, “The concept behind the Independence Market is to support local vendors to grow, providing them with an opportunity or rather a market-place where they have access to potential customers.” 

The Independence Market’s goal is to provide a marketplace for Sri Lankan entrepreneurs who produce export quality products, considering the current global economy and export markets. The Independence Market also hopes to expand internationally to assist more entrepreneurs with the opportunity to reach a larger audience. 

Concluding, Ratnayake noted, “We are currently in discussions with regard to expanding our operations to other parts of the island, in order to provide more entrepreneurs with the exposure and opportunities Independence Market offers.”

Showtown Entertainment Ltd. General Manager Thusara Karunanayaka stated at the event, “Independence Market is a timely initiative which offers great opportunities to small and medium entrepreneurs to be exposed to new and larger markets. It holds prospects for these enterprises and trades to reach out to the export market as well. The focus of Independence Market is mainly on local trades. It will also offer shoppertainment to the participants bringing a new shopping experience to the consumers. Showtown Entertainment considers this as a great opportunity to be able to be an active stakeholder for this worthy affair.”

All event attendees were required to adhere to strict rules and regulations of safety and hygiene, as mandated by the Sri Lanka Government to curb the spread of COVID-19. Entrepreneurs in attendance to showcase their products were provided with face masks, gloves, etc.