Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Sri Lankan Enterprises

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Strengthening Social Cohesion and Peace in Sri Lanka (SCOPE) Programme, co-financed by the European Union and the German Federal Foreign Office, and implemented by GIZ, implemented the “Advancing DEI in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)” project. This initiative is designed to strengthen Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices within Sri Lanka’s business ecosystem.

Project Objectives

• Identify and showcase best practices and champions of DEI within the Sri Lankan business landscape.
• Develop and deliver training programs to equip enterprises with practical tools for implementing inclusive business practices.
• Launch a DEI certification and recognition programme to acknowledge businesses demonstrating commitment to inclusivity.
• Identify and showcase best practices and champions of DEI within the Sri Lankan business landscape.

Highlights of the Project,

• Trilingual DEI Training Module for SMEs ensuring nationwide accessibility. Created with guidance from DEI experts, the module integrates actionable strategies, sector-specific best practices, and real-world case studies from the Sri Lankan context.
• Nine Regional Dialogues on DEI conducted across all provinces, creating inclusive platforms for SMEs, women-led enterprises, green businesses, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) to engage in discussions on DEI challenges, successes, and practical solutions. Each session brought together representatives from government institutions, development organizations, the private sector, and regional chambers of commerce, fostering a strong multi-stakeholder commitment to inclusive growth.
• Capacity Development Training series on DEI in the Colombo District, targeting SMEs, larger companies, business councils, trainers, private sector leaders, government officials, and recognition bodies.
• National-Level Training of Trainers to enhance participants’ understanding of DEI concepts, provided practical strategies for fostering inclusive and respectful workplaces, and guided them in developing DEI action plans tailored to their organisational needs.
• The DEI Champions Awards 2025 marked Sri Lanka’s first-ever national platform recognising both SMEs and corporates for their efforts in promoting inclusive and equitable workplaces

Impact

The project contributed to a stronger understanding and acceptance of DEI principles among Sri Lankan businesses. It encouraged organisations, especially SMEs, to start practical steps toward fairer recruitment, equitable workplace policies, and inclusive leadership. The regional dialogues and training sessions helped create new connections among the private sector, government, and development actors, building a foundation for continued collaboration and learning in promoting diversity and inclusion across the country.