{"id":11195,"date":"2025-12-03T13:02:02","date_gmt":"2025-12-03T07:32:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mgt.sjp.ac.lk\/bec\/?p=11195"},"modified":"2025-12-03T13:02:05","modified_gmt":"2025-12-03T07:32:05","slug":"jpura-expo-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mgt.sjp.ac.lk\/bec\/jpura-expo-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"J\u2019PURA EXPO 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

J\u2019PURA 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\u2019s export competitiveness and SME development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inauguration Ceremony<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

J\u2019PURA 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\u2019s Expo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ceremony was graced by the Chief Guest, Senior Professor Sampath Amarathunga \u2014 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s Expo possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The inauguration marked a meaningful start to J\u2019PURA EXPO 2025, highlighting the shared vision of supporting SMEs, encouraging innovation, and contributing to Sri Lanka\u2019s economic progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Quality & Certification Awareness Workshop \u2013 Understanding SLS and Halal Standards<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The first session of J\u2019PURA 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The session began with Ms. Ayesha Salwathura, Senior Deputy Director \u2013 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Social Media Marketing Workshops \u2013 Mastering Digital Tools for Global Reach<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The second session of J\u2019PURA 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Export Readiness Clinic \u2013 Expert Support for Global Market Entry<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Export Readiness Clinic was one of the most practical and supportive components of J\u2019PURA 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The panel of experts represented multiple key areas of the export ecosystem, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n