‘CAN Market’ puts local entrepreneurs on a high gear

by Zanita Careem

Sri Lanka boasts of a rich history of arts and crafts. Artisans are the backbone of Sri Lanka’s non-form, rural economy. This sector contributes to the national economy by providing employment opportunities, generates rural income and improves the purchasing power of rural people. But with the outbreak of COVID-19 all their hopes were shattered.

The pandemic affected millions of people across the globe. It affected the entrepreneurs in unimaginable ways. For most of them staying afloat amidst this catastrophe seemed an impossible task. Yet the adversity brought inspiration. There were many organizations that came forward to help small smart entrepreneurs, to help them brave this challenging period and prepare them to strategize and improve their business ventures.

One of them is The Creative Isle which launched the CAN (Ceylon Artisan Network) weekend market in collaboration with the Colombo City Centre. The CAN Market was created as a platform to support micro entrepreneurship across the island. It will unfold every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10.30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The chief guest at the inauguration of the CAN Market was Sri Lankan Cricket legend Muttiah Muralitharan. Focusing on sustainable and community driven businesses, the market features products of home and lifestyle, fashion accessories, food products, herbal teas, cosmetics, soaps and fragrances.

The Founder of The Creative Isle, Keshani Ann Surawewa , the woman behind the creative programme said, “during the COVID-19 lockdown, most creative entrepreneurs had a down-trend in growth, affecting the business landscape. I wanted to provide local vendors an opportunity to showcase not only their talent but also help them earn a substantial income.”

We spoke to some of the vendors at the event. Saumya Thirimadura from ‘Guru’ said, “we started a small garment factory with our own tailoring. Logistics might not be glamorous, but we focused on our production.” She further said that glass ceilings, patriarchy, gender pay gap, male privileges dot a woman’s path, but nevertheless they took on the mantle to power through them all and succeed against all odds. We produce linen, dresses , shorts. T-shirts, trousers, underwear and soon our clothes picked up the pace and my collection caught the buyer’s attention.”

A manufacturer of exquisite silver jewellery who commenced herjourney by making silver jewellery with Sri Lankan semi-precious stones remarked: “realizing a huge gap in the jewellery market which is huge, I felt there were no unique designs to meet the demand of the consumers and at affordable prices.” Her array of jewellery on sale that weekend included rings, bracelets, necklaces and more. ‘With a large surge of many players in the jewellery market, I try to manufacture some unusual creative pieces with silver and local gem stones. ” She further said with many jewellers at play, there was a very little elbow room to differentiate themselves from the rest. “The local market is cluttered and getting the attention of the potential customer was very difficult.”

Businessman and corporate leader Dilith Jayaweera said that he was very keen in pursuing and recognizing true entrepreneurs and value in innovators. “The CAN Market at the Colombo City Centre was a great project This project, the brainchild of Keshani to uplift the spirit of entrepreneur was indeed a benchmark to help the artisans. With a few potential risks and a sound business idea in hand, an entrepreneur can create a success from a small town and can build up a multi million business, if there is proper guidance and penchant for running such a business.”

The Ceylon Artisan Network CAN Market will drive inspiration, brilliance, and ingenuity among the small businesses. This spirit needs to be recognized by some authority to move forward.

The CAN Market has received immense support from partners such as the Colombo City Centre, the Foundation of Goodness, National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA) and UNDP, in a bid to further uplift local SMEs and entrepreneurs, most affected by the recent COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative welcomes on board Scope Cinemas as the Cinema Partners & Antyra Solutions as the Social Media Partners.

Dian Gomes, the well known business and sports icon also spoke and recognized the efforts of Keshani to help many more entrepreneurs.

Pix by Dharmasena Welipitiya