Experience on Capacity Development for Improving Small-Medium Enterprises is a investment of Sri Lankan Economy.

This is the fifth program in the Fellowship Programs conducted annually by Monash University in collaboration with Sri Lanka institute of Development Administration (SLIDA) and funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (formerly under AusAID). Overall objectives in conducting the programs have always been to develop public sector capacity and ultimately increase people’s well-being. I hope this objective achieved through this program by obtained positive impacts as knowledge, capacity, attitudes and outlook on life.

The Small-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are the driving force behind economic growth worldwide. They are the dominating force in Sri Lanka and Australian Economy with SMEs representing 80% of business in Sri Lanka and more than 90% of businesses across Australia. They create employment, reduce disparities, generate innovation and utilize skills of individuals for economic growth. This training programme very much recognize under the new economic policy.

Over the five weeks I travelled through a journey of knowledge acquisition, new experiences and change. We all used the time and opportunities by program to learn, to gain exposure and broaden our world view with regards to SMEs which I think enable us to make positive changes in our country.

This programme was specifically designed to equip the Fellows with the necessary skills for developing, facing challenges and promoting SMEs in Sri Lanka. The five weeks programme conducted in Melbourne, Sydney/Canberra and Brisbane and consisted of number of activities from interactive presentation by academics and participants from the diaspora, and presentations to industry visits, one of which includes a visit to the Australian SMEs Centre in Brisbane.

We acquire knowledge on the importance of SMEs, managerial and technical knowledge on starting, developing, and carrying out SMEs, how to access markets, finance and new technology for SMEs and be given first hand exposure to how SMEs are managed in the Australian context. Fellows were requested to bring with them a work project that they will work on and further develop during their stay in Australia and implement as a pilot project in their respective divisions.

Impact of the fellowship programme

Understand the scope of SMEs in terms of their definition, importance and general constrains and issues faced by SMEs and how to mitigate these problems

Identify the local and regional market trends for SMEs

Understand the common government regulation and policies for SMEs and the policy and institutional infrastructure in the promotion of SMEs

Understand how to start, implement and manage SMEs under local conditions Learn how to use new technology applications for SMEs Identify national and international SME integration strategies for Sri Lanka Gain practical exposure to by visiting different kinds of SMEs Learn about the SME development policy programs and strategies adopted by the government

of Australia. Women entrepreneurship development experience in Australia Learn how to improve productivity and quality of SMEs

Opportunities to enhance networks

Opportunities to network with experts and intellectuals on SMEs from Universities and other organizations in Australia

Network with investors and diaspora in order to gain exposure to new knowledge as well skills relating to promoting and investing in Sri Lankan SMEs

Opportunities to develop relationships with business support organizations