19 October , Colombo: Gamata Marketing, an initiative commenced by the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) in partnership with Mother Sri Lanka, resumed its training in September at the Mahara Divisional Secretariat Office and Kaduwela Divisional Secretariat Office. The trainings commenced post-Covid-19 to uplift and support micro, small and medium entrepreneurs.
The successful sessions witnessed the participation of aspiring entrepreneurs ranging from youth to elderly individuals from the Mahara region. Adhering to the rules and regulations of covid-19, the participants were confined to groups of 100.
As the pioneer of marketing in the island, the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing has identified the necessity to enhance the marketing philosophy amongst the new entrepreneurs both in the urban and rural regions of the country. Gamata Marketing training aims to add more value to the business by enhancing the product and developing the business through the application of marketing strategies.
Selected candidates are trained to adopt new technology via the project. These candidates are also advised on the use of skills and guidelines in starting a new business and/or developing existing businesses.
The participants are further educated on the importance of designing products to suit a target market and given an insight into strategies together with marketing philosophies needed to approach the industry. The participants are also encouraged to employ innovative methods in introducing goods or services to the market and motivated to adhere to the thinking patterns of entrepreneurs.
Gamata Marketing training will not only create employment opportunities for that area, but will also contribute to creating a network among different communities. The emergence of new businesses will also create more competition and increase productivity, thereby boosting the economy of the country.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Roshan Fernando, President of SLIM, stated, “The corona pandemic drastically affected the performance of MSMEs and had a negative impact on their business operations. The Gamata Marketing training session was conducted to restart the livelihoods and businesses that survive on a day to day basis and to drive their fortune wheel forward to strive and survive the pandemic.”
Ms. Janaki Kuruppu, Chairperson of Mother Sri Lanka Foundation acknowledged the significance of female entrepreneurs and said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the entire world to a standstill. This unprecedented situation has had an impact on almost all sectors and industries locally and internationally. The Sri Lankan economy receives a major contribution from women, who are considered an important resource for the country’s economic growth. In collaboration with SLIM we are conducting several training programs to impart knowledge and uplift small and medium scale businesses, especially for women entrepreneurs. We aim to empower women who have the passion and the potential to be players in the market and thereby strengthen the economy of the whole nation, by providing the essential knowledge on marketing and product development to cater to the market needs.”
Dr.Dilhan Jayatilleke – Project chair for Gamata Marketing stated, “The gender gap has a significant economic impact on the country. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, we have identified that female leaders play a vital role in reviving the national economy. Female leaders tend to embrace teamwork among their employees and they are more likely to leverage others to achieve desired results. Hence the project will focus on specially providing entrepreneurial opportunities for women in the community and enhancing their morale”.
Gamata Marketing creates an opportunity to provide awareness to the rural stakeholders about the importance of marketing and its benefits to all individuals. The project will bridge the gap between rural upcoming entrepreneurs and SLIM, which in turn will open a whole new world to the upcoming marketers. The project will add value to the SMEs, rural enterprises and upcoming entrepreneurs whilst contributing to the development of the Sri Lankan economy.
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SLIM is the National body for Marketing in Sri Lanka and has been promoting marketing excellence and elevating the status of marketing since 1970. It is a member of the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL), Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka (OPA) and Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL). Internationally it is affiliated with ESOMAR, the Federation of Marketing Research Industries and is a member of the Asia Marketing Federation, which is affiliated to the World Marketing Association.