Let’s talk business – Reviving Sri Lanka’s micro economy

• The Creative Isle CAN Weekend Market collaborates with Shangri-La One Galle Face Mall 

As the pandemic continues to challenge global economies, Sri Lankan small business owners strive to move forward. Positioning itself as a trader’s market of home-grown brands and businesses, The Creative IsleCAN Market, phase two has been launched at the One Galle Face mall, after one year of successfully promoting and creating new opportunities for small business owners across the island. 

The Creative Isle CAN initiative Founder Keshini Ann Suraweera, the visionary behind this COVID-birthed community initiative, said: “We work with some of the most resilient artisans and entrepreneurs from around Sri Lanka. As our initiative grows, we hope to feature as many homegrown talent, products and ideas as we possibly can! We believe these products are worthy not just of local attention but of international recognition and we’ve set our heights on making that happen. The Creative Isle empowers partner vendors with opportunities to take their products and ideas to the next level, through our various partnership collaborations with corporate bodies and institutions, providing access to industry expertise and related services we hope to push great products and services to the forefront of helping Sri Lanka revive its economy. The CAN Weekend Market is a platform creating B2B & B2C opportunities for aspiring creative entrepreneurs to grow their business at lucrative venues.”

Shangri-La One Galle Face Mall Country Manager Timothy Wright said: “Helping small businesses grow is a cause that is in line with our core values, OGF offers access to a larger space and a safe environment in compliance with all the necessary health guidelines, to help create a comfortable environment for the entrepreneurs and a more comprehensive shopping experience for our customers.”

Kushil Gunasekara of Foundation of Goodness speaking about the support that legendary cricketer, businessmen and philanthropist Muttiah Muralitharan has given to the CAN Market initiative through the Foundation said: “Murali’s presence lifts the stature of a worthy program like this being able to attract greater appeal for more visibility, at a time when it’s needed the most.”

The CAN Market at One Galle Face was declared opened by the Mayoress of Colombo Rosy Senanayake, who came forward to pledge her support and encourage these creative entrepreneurs.

The CAN Market is a multi-partner drive that upholds small businesses across the island, bringing small entrepreneurs from across the country to a solitary stage. Together with its esteemed partners, Foundation of Goodness, Sri Lanka CAN Foundation, Derana, Wijeya Newspapers, ANTYRA its creative partners, and One Galle Face its Venue partners, everyone is invited to experience the plethora of innovative products from traditional handicrafts to fashion, food, home and lifestyle.

The Market will be open every weekend at Level 1 to 3 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Visit the CAN Market website and official social media pages for more information.