The Sri Lanka Association of Printers (SLAP), in collaboration with FESPA, successfully organized a full-day seminar and business forum on the future of the printing industry at the Hotel Grand Guardian in Ratnapura. The event, attended by 95 printing professionals from Kuruwita, Balangoda, and Embilipitiya, offered valuable insights on business development, marketing, and innovation within Sri Lanka’s growing print sector.

SLAP President and CEO of Wijeya Newspapers Ltd, Eng. Janaka Rathnakumara, delivered the keynote address on “The Future of the Printing Industry.” He outlined the association’s five-year strategic plan to enhance the industry’s contribution to the national economy and announced that the MSMEs Print Awards 2025 will be held on January 3, 2026. He invited printers from the Ratnapura District to participate and align with SLAP’s broader mission of fostering regional growth and modernization.

Other speakers included Prof. Ravi Dissanayake, Director of the Staff Development Centre at the University of Kelaniya, who presented practical “Marketing Strategies for Small and Medium Printers,” and Suranga Gunaratne from the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, who spoke on “Winning Attitudes for a Successful Printing Business.” Dinesh Attanayake, Assistant Director of Export Services at the Sri Lanka Development Board, discussed opportunities for Sri Lankan printers in international markets and emphasized maintaining export-quality standards.

SLAP expressed appreciation to its main sponsors JDC Printing Technologies, Bhathiya Trading Company, Sithara Limited, and Nimsara Trading, as well as co-sponsors D & D Engineers and Janaka Traders. Media sponsors included Wijeya Newspapers Limited, Express Newspapers Limited, and Event Sphere Media Innovations as the event’s photo and video partner. The forum concluded with renewed optimism for collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth within Sri Lanka’s printing community.