By Venessa Anthony
The launch event of Sri Lanka’s first shopertainment experience, held at Arcade Independence Square over the weekend (December 12), brought about a novel shopping experience to all shopaholics out there. The market hosted over 50 local entrepreneurs who showcased products ranging from food and beverage to arts, crafts, handloom, and batik, with the aim of supporting local businesses that were badly affected due to the ongoing pandemic. One could find Christmas trees made from eco-friendly material as well as handloom batik clothing. The options were endless, especially if you were on the lookout for Christmas-themed items.
Guests were provided with live music and entertainment to keep them occupied while they shopped to their heart’s content. The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of Minister Namal Rajapaksa as the Guest of Honour and Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardena as the Chief Guest. The project also welcomed new partners, Bathiya and Santhush of “Showtown”, to further promote their upcoming weekly events as they aid in creating a sustainable network of local entrepreneurs.
“We entered 2020 with many hopes and dreams, but from March, we all began to hate this year. Yet, this year gave us the chance to witness our inner strengths; we saw how strong we are as individuals. We were confused during the first wave, we didn’t know what to do, as the second wave approached, we built up the courage to face it head-on. We couldn’t implement a complete shopertainment experience due to the prevailing situation of the county, but we wanted to promote a fully Lankan experience. All products featured today are 100% made in Sri Lanka by proud Sri Lankans,” Santhush Weeraman commented at the press conference.
The event was an afternoon filled with entertainment and the air was abuzz with the festive cheer.
This Christmas, keep local businesses in mind when shopping, as the smallest purchase means a lot to these business owners in these difficult times.
The market will be held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Pop over to the Arcade Independence Square and enjoy a variety of locally crafted products!