Visa has reaffirmed its dedication to promoting the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Sri Lanka by participating as a key supporter of Scale Up 2.0, a National SME Forum 2026 organized by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. This forum convened a diverse group of SME owners, entrepreneurs, policymakers, financial institutions, corporations, investors, and development partners to discuss actionable strategies for enhancing the SME ecosystem in the country and facilitating business expansion.
The forum, themed “Connected. Competitive. Ready to Grow,” aimed to empower Sri Lankan SMEs by providing access to new markets, fostering robust business networks, enhancing competitiveness, and preparing them for sustainable growth. Key topics of discussion included market access, value-chain integration, standards and certification, investment readiness, scaling mid-sized enterprises, and the role of digital innovation.
As a Platinum Partner of the event, Visa was represented by Avanthi Colombage, the Country Manager for Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Colombage emphasized the crucial role that technology, digital commerce, and secure payment systems play in enabling SMEs to operate more effectively, broaden their market reach, and engage confidently in the global economy.
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“SMEs are central to Sri Lanka’s economic resilience and future development. We observe a growing ambition among SMEs across various sectors, as they become more digitally savvy and connected to opportunities beyond their immediate environments. Their next growth phase will depend significantly on how well they embrace digital tools to scale, enhance their competitiveness, and seize new opportunities. At Visa, we are dedicated to facilitating this growth through innovative payment solutions, partnerships, financial education, and initiatives aimed at building digital capabilities that empower small businesses to operate efficiently, expand their reach, and compete successfully,” Colombage stated.
Colombage also pointed out several trends influencing the future of SMEs, including the increasing demand for simplified business solutions, seamless digital experiences, easier access to working capital, and dependable cross-border payment solutions. She acknowledged the growing diversity within the SME sector, highlighting the need for specialized solutions tailored to the unique operational models and growth goals of businesses in retail, tourism, technology, exports, and the creator economy.
As Sri Lankan SMEs increasingly seek opportunities beyond local markets, the capacity to engage in cross-border transactions is becoming vital. Digital commerce and a globally integrated payment infrastructure can facilitate access to customers and suppliers outside immediate markets, promoting quicker, simpler, and more transparent transactions.
Colombage added that SMEs are shifting their focus from individual financial products to seeking long-term partnerships with entities that understand their unique needs and can assist them in their growth journeys.
“SMEs gain significant advantages from partnerships with organizations like Visa, which enable them to transact securely and efficiently. When we assist a small business in accepting payments, reaching new customers, or enhancing operational efficiency, we are not just facilitating a transaction; we are opening up opportunities for SMEs to thrive,” she remarked.
Mr. Krishan Balendra, Chairperson of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, noted, “Scale Up 2.0 aims to transform the SME dialogue from aspirations to concrete actions. To grow confidently and compete beyond traditional boundaries, Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurs require stronger connections to markets, finance, technology, standards, and strategic partnerships. The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce is committed to creating platforms that unite key stakeholders, enabling SMEs to access the knowledge, networks, and opportunities necessary for sustainable growth.”
The Honorable Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, emphasized, “Sri Lanka’s SME sector has substantial potential to serve as a key driver of inclusive growth, exports, innovation, and job creation. A significant economic opportunity exists within both local and global markets, but seizing this potential will demand future-ready businesses, enhanced digital adoption, improved financial access, and closer collaboration across government, industry, financial services, and development partners. Our goal is to create an environment that enables SMEs to compete, scale, and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economic growth.”
Visa’s involvement in Scale Up 2.0 underscores its ongoing commitment to fostering the digital empowerment of businesses and nurturing an ecosystem where Sri Lankan SMEs can connect, compete, and thrive. As the SME sector in the country continues to develop, collaboration among public and private sectors, financial institutions, industry organizations, and technology providers will be crucial in helping entrepreneurs transform their ambitions into sustainable economic opportunities.
