J’PURA EXPO 2025
J’PURA EXPO 2025, organized for the fourth consecutive year by the Department of Business Economics, Faculty of Management Studies & Commerce, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, concluded successfully, marking another milestone in fostering Sri Lanka’s export competitiveness and SME development.
This year’s Expo featured eight sub-projects, each designed to uplift small businesses, strengthen tourism potential, encourage innovation, and build global-ready entrepreneurs. The event was held across multiple venues, including the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and the BMICH.
Inauguration Ceremony
J’PURA EXPO 2025 officially began with an inspiring inauguration ceremony held at Mihilaka Madura, BMICH. The ceremony brought together academics, industry partners, SMEs, and students to mark the beginning of this year’s Expo.
The ceremony was graced by the Chief Guest, Senior Professor Sampath Amarathunga — Former Chairman of the University Grants Commission, Former Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, and Former Dean of the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce. His presence added great value to the event and motivated everyone involved.
The gathering also included Professor Janaka Fernando, Head of the Department of Business Economics, whose leadership and support played a key role in making this year’s Expo possible.
Respected lecturers from the Department of Business Economics, invited guests from the industry, and representatives from various SMEs were also present, strengthening the connection between academia and the business community.
The inauguration marked a meaningful start to J’PURA EXPO 2025, highlighting the shared vision of supporting SMEs, encouraging innovation, and contributing to Sri Lanka’s economic progress.
Quality & Certification Awareness Workshop – Understanding SLS and Halal Standards
The first session of J’PURA EXPO 2025 focused on helping SMEs understand the importance of quality standards when entering local and international markets. Two industry experts conducted this session, giving participants a practical introduction to the certification requirements that directly affect product acceptance and export readiness.
The session began with Ms. Ayesha Salwathura, Senior Deputy Director – Quality Assurance. She explained the complete process of obtaining the Sri Lanka Standards (SLS) certification. SMEs learned why SLS is important, how it builds trust among customers, and how it helps businesses enter new markets with confidence. She also guided the participants through documentation needs, product testing, quality checks, and the steps they must follow to meet national standards.
Next, Mr. Shihan Marikkar, Chief Executive Officer, conducted an insightful session on the Halal certification process. He explained the criteria required for Halal compliance, the importance of proper procedures in production, and how Halal certification can open doors to large international markets, especially in regions where Halal products are essential. SMEs received clarity on the approval process, audits, and the benefits of maintaining transparent and ethical production practices.
This session gave SMEs a strong foundation in quality assurance, helping them understand how certifications like SLS and Halal increase product credibility, expand customer trust, and support long-term business growth.
Social Media Marketing Workshops – Mastering Digital Tools for Global Reach
The second session of J’PURA EXPO 2025 focused on improving the digital marketing skills of SMEs through a hands-on Social Media Marketing Workshop. This session was conducted by Mr. Chandika Witharana, Founder & CEO of X365 and APIBA Campus, who brought in both practical industry knowledge and expert guidance.
He explained how SMEs can use social media as a powerful tool to strengthen brand visibility and meaningfully connect with customers. Participants learned how to create attractive posts, structure engaging content, and use different features across platforms to increase customer reach.
Throughout the session, Mr. Witharana demonstrated how social media can help businesses tap into new customer groups and market segments, even beyond their local areas. He highlighted practical techniques such as understanding trends, using simple analytics, selecting the right hashtags, and maintaining a consistent brand style across all platforms.
The workshop was interactive and beginner-friendly, allowing SMEs to ask questions, explore real-life examples, and gain confidence in managing their online presence. By the end of the session, many participants felt better prepared to use social media to promote their products, improve customer engagement, and build a more visible digital identity.
Export Readiness Clinic – Expert Support for Global Market Entry
The Export Readiness Clinic was one of the most practical and supportive components of J’PURA EXPO 2025. SMEs showcased their products at individual stalls, and a diverse group of experts visited each stall to provide personalised, one-on-one guidance.
The panel of experts represented multiple key areas of the export ecosystem, including:
- Packaging and product presentation: Specialists in packaging technology guided SMEs on how to design export-ready packaging that meets both local and international standards.
- Quality standards and compliance: Experts from national quality assurance and export institutions helped SMEs understand product testing, certification processes, and how to meet required export standards.
- Trade facilitation and documentation: Professionals from customs and trade consultancy offered advice on export procedures, documentation, logistics, and smooth border clearance.
- Export financing and risk management: Officers from banking and export credit insurance explained loan options, financial support, and how SMEs can manage risk when entering global markets.
- Marketing, branding, and customer engagement: Academic experts in marketing and entrepreneurship supported SMEs with improving brand identity, understanding market behaviour, and positioning products effectively.
- Legal guidance for business expansion: Specialists in business and commercial law shared insights on legal requirements, contracts, and regulatory considerations for exporters.
- Product quality and food safety: Experts in food science gave guidance on maintaining product consistency, shelf life, and meeting safety standards required by international buyers.
Each SME received customised advice based on their product type, current challenges, and future goals. The interactive, stall-to-stall format created a supportive environment where SMEs could openly discuss their concerns, learn from real industry experience, and gain practical guidance to improve their export readiness.
Overall, the Export Readiness Clinic helped small businesses understand exactly what they need to do to upgrade their products, meet global expectations, and confidently begin their export journey.
Venture Vista – Export Idea Pitching Competition
Venture Vista gathered some of the brightest emerging entrepreneurs who pitched innovative, export-oriented business ideas to a panel of investors and industry leaders. Many participants received potential investor interest, mentorship opportunities, and connections that could accelerate their journey into international markets.
Tourism Industry Forum – “Sri Lanka’s 3-Million Tourist Target: Balancing Growth, Governance & Sustainability”
The Industry Forum brought together leading voices from tourism, economics, governance, and the private sector. The panel focused on how Sri Lanka can attract 3 million tourists while ensuring fair opportunities for SMEs, protecting local communities, and stopping harmful practices.
Panelists included:
• Mr. Chandra Wickramasinghe – Chairman/Managing Director, Connaissance De Ceylon
• Prof. A.D.C. Suranga Silva – Professor, Faculty of Arts, University of Colombo
• Mr. R.M.N. Jeewantha – Deputy General Manager (Banking & Branch Credit Operations – Range 2), Bank of Ceylon
• Mr. Mahesh Senanayake – Founder/Director, Big Smile Voyages & Digimondo
• Mr. Akila Punihewa – Owner/Founder, Monkey YouTuber; National Tourist Guide Lecturer of the Year 2024
Moderator:
• Prof. Janaka Fernando – Head, Department of Business Economics, USJ
The discussion explored topics such as:
• How Sri Lanka can meet its tourism targets without causing overcrowding
• The risks of overtourism and unethical tourism practices
• How SMEs in tourism can benefit from balanced, sustainable growth
• The importance of digital tools, accurate information, and community-based tourism
• How projects like Sri Lanka 360 support responsible tourism promotion
The forum is perfectly aligned with the aim of the e-book: to showcase the full beauty of Sri Lanka while promoting a fair, sustainable, and well-managed tourism industry.
Export Hub – Connecting SMEs on a Unified Global Platform
This year’s Expo focused significantly on building a strong digital presence for SMEs by enhancing the official Expo website.
The update included:
• Verified SME profiles
• Product showcases
• Essential export information
The platform now acts as a centralized gateway that helps SMEs reach global buyers, investors, and trade networks more effectively.
Sri Lanka 360 – Revealing Hidden Sri Lankan Destinations
This year’s J’PURA EXPO 2025 placed a strong focus on Sri Lanka’s tourism potential, especially the importance of promoting both well-known and hidden destinations.
As part of the Expo, a group of undergraduates developed a special tourism website . Their goal was to study how tourists move across Sri Lanka and identify:
• The most commonly visited tourist hotspots
• Beautiful, unique hidden places that tourists rarely visit
• Local attractions often unknown even to Sri Lankans
Through their project, the students collected data, visited locations, and built a digital platform where users can learn about both popular and lesser-known destinations. The website and e-book include:
• photos, maps, and descriptions
• cultural and historical notes
• nature trails and adventure spots
• religious sites, waterfalls, and countryside escapes
The official launch of the Sri Lanka 360 e-book took place during the Industry Forum, as tourism was the central theme of the discussion.
A Collective Step Toward National Development
J’PURA EXPO 2025 continued its legacy of empowering SMEs, strengthening academia–industry collaboration, and nurturing young innovators. From tourism to tech, and from grassroots producers to visionary entrepreneurs, the Expo served as a catalyst for building a globally competitive and resilient Sri Lankan economy.
