The Island Market, a beloved community-driven platform dedicated to uplifting small businesses and local entrepreneurs, is set to host its special Town Hall Festive Edition on 6th December 2025 at the Colombo Town Hall Car Park premises. What began as a simple initiative during the height of the COVID pandemic has now flourished into one of Sri Lanka’s most impactful grassroots marketplaces, offering not only commercial opportunities but also empowerment, inclusivity, and hope.
Founded by Nisreen Dissanayake, The Island Market was originally created to serve as a lifeline for small and home-based ventures struggling through the challenges of the pandemic and subsequent economic hardships. Over the years, it has evolved into a dynamic movement that celebrates local creativity, supports emerging entrepreneurs, and unites communities from all walks of life.
At its core, The Island Market remains committed to strengthening Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. From artisans and home bakers to women-led startups and creative youth-led brands, the platform opens doors for individuals who often struggle to find accessible avenues to showcase their talent. Of notable importance is the initiative’s continued focus on empowering females who operate home-based ventures, many of whom balance their businesses while managing families and daily responsibilities. The platform also extends meaningful support to individuals with physical challenges, visual and hearing impairments, or special needs. By offering them the opportunity to participate and present their work, The Island Market continues to bridge the gap for talented individuals who otherwise receive limited visibility in mainstream commercial spaces.
Over the past few years, The Island Market has proudly enabled numerous vendors to expand their businesses far beyond the marketplace. Many participants have gone on to secure significant partnerships and retail opportunities, most notably with ODEL, which has offered several entrepreneurs space within their malls. Others have gained the confidence and financial stability to open their own physical stores, such as Sticks & Co. and Café Longdon, demonstrating the long-term impact of the platform on sustainable small business growth.
Beyond entrepreneurship, the initiative has become a strong advocate for community service and social upliftment. Throughout its journey, The Island Market has extended contributions to various charitable organizations, including the Swashakthi Foundation of Persons with Disability, Child Action Lanka, VOICE, Water Relief Projects, and Light A Future. These efforts highlight the platform’s commitment to giving back and ensuring that its success resonates beyond commerce.
Its influence has also reached educational spaces, with the Overseas School of Colombo inviting The Island Market on multiple occasions to inspire students. These engagements focus on promoting entrepreneurial thinking, showcasing real-life examples of small business success, and instilling values of creativity, resilience, and social responsibility among young learners.
This year’s Town Hall Festive Edition carries special significance with the announcement of a heartfelt collaboration with the Indira Cancer Trust’s Make a Wish Sri Lanka programme. In keeping with the true spirit of Christmas, the partnership aims to bring joy and hope to children battling cancer.
Through this initiative, the event will help fulfil the cherished wishes of young patients, offering them moments of comfort, happiness, and support during deeply challenging times. The collaboration underscores the event’s guiding principle that The Island Market is more than a shopping destination, it is a gathering that celebrates community, compassion, and collective purpose. The festive edition promises a warm and joyful atmosphere, bringing together families, creators, and visitors for a meaningful and memorable experience.
Attendees can look forward to a vibrant selection of over fifty homegrown vendors offering a wide range of products, including handmade crafts, clothing, homeware, jewellery, artisanal soaps, festive treats, home-baked goods, and several seasonal surprises. In addition to the marketplace, visitors can enjoy live entertainment such as music performances and open mic sessions, adding a lively rhythm to the day. Children will have a dedicated zone featuring a bouncy castle and engaging activities designed to create fun and memorable moments for families. The festive spirit will be further enriched by Christmas-themed décor, interactive experiences, and opportunities to support a noble cause throughout the event.
Guests are warmly encouraged to participate in spreading kindness this season by supporting the Make a Wish Sri Lanka programme through donations, purchases, and engagement at the event. Every contribution, big or small, plays a part in creating unforgettable moments for children and families who could use a little extra Christmas magic.
As the Island Market continues its remarkable journey, its mission remains clear: to bring people together, to uplift small businesses, to champion inclusion, and to inspire hope. The upcoming Festive Edition stands as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a community unites with purpose and compassion. The Indira Cancer Trust and The Island Market extend an open invitation to the public to come together, celebrate the season of giving, and make a meaningful difference; one wish at a time.
Event Details
Event Name: The Island Market (Town Hall Festive Edition)
Date: 6th December 2025
Venue: Colombo Town Hall Car Park
Organizer: The Island Market in collaboration with Indira Cancer Trust’s Make a Wish Sri Lanka programme
