The Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) and its SME arm, Small and Medium Enterprise Developers (SMED) in collaboration with the Ministry of Industrial Development organized a national level exhibition for the forth successful time on 7^th to 8^th August 2009 with the theme of the “Technology for Rural, Micro & SME Development”.

The main objective of this Machinery Exhibition is to support the SME sector to enhance its technological capabilities to emerge itself as an efficient and competitive sector in the economy, and to prepare them for global markets.

Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF), International Finance Corporation (IFC), Dialog Telecom PLC got together to make this event a success. The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd (ANCL) was the print media sponsor of the exhibition.

The Inauguration ceremony of the 4^th Machinery Exhibition commenced at 10.30 a.m. on 7^th August 2009. Hon. Kumara Welgama, Minister of Industrial Development was the Chief Guest at this occasion. He was welcomed by the President of the FCCISL Mr. Kosala Wickramanayake. Hon. Prof. Tissa Witharana, Minister of Science & Technology was the guest of Honour on the 1^st day of the Exhibition. Secretaries to the Ministry of Industrial Development and the Ministry of Science and Technology and several other distinguish guests were participated for the Inauguration Ceremony.

The Exhibition was ceremonially opened on 8^th August 2009 by the Acting Ambassador to the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany; Dr. Stefan Weckbach. Mrs Sagarica Delgoda, Country Representative to the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) was also participated for the ceremony.

SME 2009 Machinery Exhibition which was comprised with more than 100 stalls of over 75 organizations was a success and made a good impact among the SME developers, policy makers and in the sector as a whole. It was an ideal opportunity for most of the stall holders in the SME sector to enhance its technological capabilities to emerge itself as an efficient and competitive sector in the economy. Also the exhibition helps them to expand their customer network and to generate new market opportunities. As an example Agro consolidated (Pvt) Ltd who is engaged in Tractors and Combine Harvesters business had very good sales at the exhibition.

According to the Exhibitor Satisfaction survey conducted by the SMED, around 56% of exhibitors are satisfied with the exhibition. With the demand from the exhibitors and visitors, the organizing committee has already made reservations to hold the SME Machinery Exhibition 2010 at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Exhibition Centre from August 27^th to 29^th August, 2010.