Small and medium enterprises form the backbone of Sri Lanka's economy, representing a crucial sector that has increasingly become the focus of national development strategies. While various institutions across the country have recognized the importance of supporting these businesses, SLT-MOBITEL Enterprise is at the forefront, continuously fulfilling the mission to deliver innovative technological solutions specifically designed for SME growth.

Recently, SLT-MOBITEL Enterprise unveiled its latest service portfolio for 2025 aimed at empowering small and medium enterprises across Sri Lanka. Selvendiran Vidyapan, General Manager - Enterprise and SME Products at SLT-MOBITEL Enterprise explains how the company's tailored solutions are supporting this critical economic sector and driving the nation's digital transformation agenda.

Q: How is SLT-MOBITEL Enterprise providing modern technology for local SMEs?

A: The SME sector serves as the foundation of Sri Lanka's domestic economy, contributing approximately 52% to our national GDP and employing 45% of the country's workforce. For Sri Lanka's economic development to flourish, strengthening this vital sector is essential.

As the pioneer in introducing modern communication technology to Sri Lanka, SLT-MOBITEL Enterprise views the empowerment of small and medium enterprises more than a corporate responsibility, but as a national mission. We are proud to have developed comprehensive digital services specifically designed to facilitate SME growth, market expansion, and operational efficiency.

Beyond providing connectivity solutions, SLT-MOBITEL Enterprise has invested significantly in cloud infrastructure and reliable cybersecurity services to ensure these businesses can operate seamlessly and securely in today's digital environment. In our approach we create an integrated technological foundation enabling Sri Lankan SMEs to compete effectively in an increasingly digital marketplace.

Q: Why are comprehensive cybersecurity solutions now vital for SMEs success?

A: Cyberthreats in Sri Lanka have escalated dramatically, with attack risks increasing by 41%. This concerning trend stems from several factors, including intensified business competition and the spread of sophisticated digital application-based scams.

The threat landscape has also transformed significantly. In previous years, cyberattacks were relatively uncommon and primarily originated from international sources. Today, we face a rapidly evolving situation where domestic threats have become equally concerning, creating multi-directional security challenges for businesses of all sizes.

We must acknowledge the considerable risks are now inherent in online transactions. For SMEs specifically, even a single security breach can prove catastrophic to their operations, reputation, and customer trust. It is precisely why SLT-MOBITEL Enterprise has developed robust cybersecurity services to safeguard customer information, protect sensitive business data, and create a secure environment for digital commerce.

In 2025, we have taken our commitment further by launching a comprehensive national initiative specifically for small and medium enterprises under the theme 'Unleash your Business Potential.' The program integrates essential security protections with growth-enabling technologies, recognizing that in today's business landscape, security serves as a vital business enabler.

Q: What drove SLT-MOBITEL Enterprise to develop digital tools specifically for SMEs?

A: The SLT-MOBITEL Enterprise national program addresses SME’s diverse digital needs providing essential business tools such as CRM, ERP, email services, and marketing platforms. We have paired these applications with strong cloud infrastructure, ensuring businesses understand both the tools and the technology supporting them. It creates a complete digital framework specifically designed for small and medium enterprises' unique operational requirements.

Q: Can you explain the significance for selecting ‘Unleash your Business Potential’ as the campaign theme?

A: SLT-MOBITEL Enterprise selected 'Unleash your Business Potential' as the theme to highlight Sri Lanka's current economic transition. After the significant challenges of 2023/24 many SMEs struggles or closed, but the current marketplace shows promising signs of economic recovery creating new opportunities.

Today's business environment is different. While AI and automation present certain disruptions, they also create new market niches and operational efficiencies. Additionally, Sri Lanka's export sector is showing encouraging growth, requiring businesses to effectively engage with both domestic and international customers.

The evolving environment demands modern technological solutions that SLT-MOBITEL Enterprise provides. The theme captures the belief that despite recent difficulties, Sri Lankan SMEs have tremendous unrealized potential. With the right digital tools and infrastructure, these businesses can recover and thrive. 'Unleash your Business Potential' represents SLT-MOBITEL Enterprise’s commitment to providing the technological foundation that enables the transformation.

Q: How did the recent Customer Forum highlight SLT-MOBITEL Enterprise's innovative offerings for small and medium businesses?

A: SLT-MOBITEL Enterprise hosted a Customer and Product Forum recently designed to introduce the suite of digital applications tailored for small and medium enterprises. The interactive conference provided a hands-on opportunity for business owners to explore how SLT-MOBITEL Enterprise solutions can address their specific operational challenges. The event was well-attended with approximately 120 SME entrepreneurs participating and engaged directly with SLT-MOBITEL Enterprise’s specialists. The entrepreneurs gained practical insights into implementing these digital tools within their businesses.

Q: Can you elaborate on SLT-MOBITEL Enterprise's future strategic objectives for the small and medium business segment?

A: SLT-MOBITEL Enterprise’s commitment to the SME sector began five years ago, as we believed that strengthening small and medium enterprises is essential to developing Sri Lanka's economy.

SLT-MOBITEL Enterprise is committed to supporting SME development through continuous innovation. The primary objective for this year is to expand our SME service capacity by 100%.  I extend a sincere invitation to all SMEs in Sri Lanka to partner with SLT-MOBITEL Enterprise and transform their operational challenges into competitive advantages with the offered unparalleled technological solutions, ensuring businesses achieve outstanding success.

Image Caption : Selvendiran Vidyapan, General Manager - Enterprise and SME Products at SLT-MOBITEL Enterprise