Creative Isle, in collaboration with Colombo City Centre (CCC), announced the launch of the first three-day Ceylon Artisan Network (CAN) Market, scheduled for 28 August, to be held at the Colombo City Centre, welcoming its Chief Guest, Sri Lankan and international cricketing legend Muttiah Muralitharan, gracing the launch at 4.30 p.m. on Friday.
The CAN Market was created as a platform to support creative micro-entrepreneurship, where the first in a series of weekend fairs is scheduled from the 28-30 August 2020.
Creative Isle Founder Keshini Ann Suraweera noted: “The crux of this project was born during the imposed Covid-19 lockdown, when most creative entrepreneurs experienced a downward trend in growth, stunting their ability to continue with their business efficiently. Identifying the gap in the current business landscape, I wanted to provide local vendors with a space where they could showcase their raw talent, which may otherwise have been undiscovered simply due to the lack of a platform to present themselves.”
The CAN Market has received immense support from partners such as the Foundation of Goodness, National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA), and UNDP (United Nations Development Programme), in a bid to further uplift Sri Lanka and support its SMEs (small and medium enterprises) and entrepreneurs most affected by the recent Covid-19 pandemic.
Scope Cinemas as the cinema partner and Antyra Solutions as the social media partner have pledged their support. Business icon Dilith Jayaweera will also address the gathering, to encourage spirited entrepreneurs.
Concluding, Suraweera commented: “Together, we can make a difference to support local creative businesses around Sri Lanka. CAN will act as a platform to welcome Sri Lanka’s finest artisans to the heart of the city, at Colombo City Centre, every Friday to Sunday from 10.30 a.m. to 9 p.m.”
The weekend market will feature vendors from around Sri Lanka showcasing their export-quality products at wholesale rates, whilst allowing them the opportunity to form new trade partnerships with bulk buyers. Focusing on sustainable and community-driven businesses, the fair will consist of home and lifestyle products, fashion accessories, artisan food products, herbal teas and Ayurveda cosmetics, soaps and fragrances, etc.
The CAN Market supports and features recycle and up-cycle initiatives and products, and will be an opportunity for creative entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative products and services to B2C (business-to-customer) and B2B (business-to-business) markets.
