Another Successful Business Forum by the SLAP
The Sri Lanka Association of Printers (SLAP), in collaboration with FESPA, successfully organized another insightful seminar and business forum on the future of the printing industry. The full-day workshop was held at the Hotel Grand Guardian, Rathnapura, from 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the participation of 95 professionals from the Kuruwita, Balangoda, Embilipitiya in Rathnapura region.
In his opening address, the President of SLAP and CEO of Wijeya Newspapers Ltd., Eng. Janaka Rathnakumara, highlighted the Association’s ongoing initiatives to strengthen the regional printing community. He announced that the MSMEs Print Awards 2025 will be held on 3rd January 2026, and invited all printers in the Rathnapura district to apply for the awards and align with SLAP’s five-year strategic plan aimed at enhancing the printing industry’s contribution to the national economy.
The event brought together industry experts, business leaders, and entrepreneurs for a day of learning, networking, and inspiration.
Eng. Janaka Rathnakumara, President of the SLAP delivered the keynote address focusing on “The Future of the Printing Industry.” In his speech, he emphasized the importance of innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation in maintaining the competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s printing sector.
Prof. Ravi Dissanayake, Director of the Staff Development Centre at the University of Kelaniya, shared valuable insights on “Marketing Strategies for Small and Medium Printers.” His session offered practical approaches to help local printing businesses strengthen their market presence and adapt to changing consumer trends.
Mr. Suranga Gunaratne, from the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, motivated participants with his talk on “Winning Attitudes for a Successful Printing Business,” highlighting the role of mindset, leadership, and customer service in business growth.
Mr.Dinesh Attanayake , Assistant Director, Export Services , Sri Lanka Development Board, discussed opportunities for Sri Lankan printers in international markets and the importance of maintaining high-quality standards for export success.
In his closing remarks, President Eng. Janaka Rathnakumara reiterated the Association’s commitment to distributing knowledge, introducing new technologies, and creating equal opportunities for printers not only in Colombo but also across all regions of Sri Lanka.
SLAP extended its gratitude to the Main Sponsors — JDC Printing Technologies (Pvt) Ltd, Bhathiya Trading Company (Pvt) Ltd, Sithara Limited, and Nimsara Trading (Pvt) Ltd, for their generous support.
Appreciation was also extended to the Co-Sponsors, D & D Engineers and Janaka Traders (Pvt) Ltd, and also the media Sponsors , Wijeya Newspapers Limited, Express Newspapers Limited, Photo and Video Partner, Event Sphere Media Enovation’s for their contributions toward the success of the event.
The Rathnapura seminar marks another milestone in SLAP’s continuous efforts to uplift the Sri Lankan printing industry through collaboration, education, and technological advancement.
