SDC conducts workshop on Inclusive Business Accreditation

The Sustainable Development Council (SDC) successfully conducted a workshop on ‘Establishing an Inclusive Business Accreditation System’ for Sri Lanka in collaboration with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and the United Nations Resident Coordinators Office on 24th February 2025, bringing together government officials, industry experts, and passionate entrepreneurs dedicated to building a more inclusive business ecosystem in Sri Lanka.

The Workshop focused on the establishment of an Inclusive Business (IB) Accreditation System and the transformative power of IB models to contribute not only to economic growth but also towards a more just, stable, and resilient society. Accreditation would play a pivotal role in distinguishing credible IBs from those engaging in superficial social responsibility efforts.

The Guidelines for Promoting Inclusive Businesses adopted by the ASEAN member states proposes IB Accreditation as a core policy instrument to promote inclusive businesses in the region. An IB Accreditation would offer significant benefits to both the government and businesses. For the government, it would drive solutions addressing the needs of low-income populations by encouraging businesses to adopt inclusive business models. The system would also enable more effective promotion and recognition of inclusive businesses, inspiring others to follow suit. Additionally, it could help the government to identify businesses eligible for both financial or non-financial incentives. For businesses, IB Accreditation would help gain enhanced visibility and brand recognition, boosting access to investment and new market opportunities, while attracting impact investors to support their growth. In addition, a well implemented IB Accreditation System could provide accredited businesses opportunities to access a range of advantages, including financial and non-financial incentives and businesses support services which would help scale operations and increase social impact.

The workshop focused on areas such as the Inclusive Business Landscape in Sri Lanka, IB Accreditation Process and Steps in the implementation of an IB Accreditation System and Financial and Non-Financial Incentives that can be linked to an IB Accreditation System. Several ASEAN member states have put in place IB Accreditation systems based on the IB Accreditation Principles advanced by the ASEAN Secretariat and the workshop facilitated participants to learn from comparative experiences and good practices from IB Accreditation Systems implemented in Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and South Korea.

The Workshop kicked off with a presentation on the Inclusive Business Landscape in Sri Lanka and recommendations for driving inclusive business growth by the Director General of the Sustainable Development Council Chamindry Saparamadu, followed by a panel discussion with inclusive business leaders on their challenges, successes, and opportunities in leveraging IB Accreditation. Vihagun Ariyaratne, the Founder of Owita Naturals Pvt Ltd, Asitha Jayasinghe, Founder of Blackpool Coffee, and Dushmantha Dissanayake, Agri Entrepreneur/ SME Finance Specialist, elaborated on the importance of accreditation and how it will enhance brand value, accountability, transparency, and help businesses adopt a holistic approach to inclusivity and ethics.

The Workshop Participants delved into the vital steps required to establish an IB Accreditation System in Sri Lanka that will drive sustainable growth, innovation, and equal opportunities for all under the expert guidance of Marta Perez Cuso from the Trade, Innovation and Investment Division of UNESCAP who brings forth extensive experience in promoting inclusive enterprises throughout the Asia Pacific Region, including in India, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand, Ms. Pham Hong Ngan, Research Consultant from Vietnam shared insights from the Vietnam Accreditation Pilot, and Mr. William Baxter, Project Lead, Inclusive Business at the European Chamber of Commerce, presented key learnings and recommendations for developing an IB Accreditation System in Sri Lanka.

The workshop was successfully concluded, obtaining important feedback and suggestions from relevant government agencies such as the Ministry of Industries, Export Development Board, Industrial Development Board, Sri Lanka Accreditation Board, Sri Lanka Standards Institute, Board of Investment, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and the Development Finance Department, business chambers, and other relevant stakeholders regarding the way forward for establishing an IB Accreditation system through the facilitation of resource persons Ms. Ganga Iddamlgoda, Ms. Sheron Hewawaduge and Mr. Navaka Navarathne.

An Outcome Report with recommendations for establishing an IB Accreditation System is expected to be presented to the Government in due course.