Business leaders join hands to launch Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association

From left: Healthguard Pharmacy GM-Retail Infiyaz Ali, Sensei International Partner Ranjan De Silva, Hatton National Bank DGM- Retail & SME Thimal Perera, Hameedia Deputy MD Hussain Sadique, EAP Holdings COO Ajith Amarasekera, LAUGFS Holdings Executive Director Murali Prakash, Abans Deputy Director Dinesh Perera, Dialog Axiata Head of Group Business Development Chinthana Jayasekara, Cargills Foods Company CEO Sidath Kodikara, Ceylinco General Insurance DGM-Marketing Senaka Rajapakse, Franklyn Covey (Sri Lanka & Maldives) CEO Ameer Ahamed and John Keells Group President – Retail Krishan Balendra. 

Not present: SLABA (Sri Lanka Apparel Brands Association) Chairman Indradatta Dharmawardana, Rainco MD Fazal Fausz and Orange Electric Group Director Channa Ranasinghe

Local business leaders and retail professionals have joined forces to form the Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association, a first of its kind in the country. The inaugural meeting was held recently with the participation of several industry professionals and business owners from a cross section of leading retailers including Keells Super, Abans, Cargills Food City, Laughs, Healthguard, Hatton National Bank, Ceylinco General Insurance, Rainco, EAP Group, Hameedia and the President of the Sri Lanka Apparel Brand Association (SLABA). 

Hameedia Deputy Managing Director and Lead Convener who initiated the idea Hussain Sadique said, “The proponents mooted the idea of forming the Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association with the aim of connecting leading names in the retail industry and to shape the country’s business narrative. The Retailers’ Association will also connect retailers to work towards creating value, backed by good customer service and best practices. This Association is a crucial and much-needed stepping stone to develop and boost the retail industry and to launch a Retail Forum, which will be an annual event in the Association’s calendar of activities. The Association will highlight the shared support within the industry and enhance professional and consumer knowledge.”

The initiative was hailed with enthusiasm by the industry leaders and business professionals engaged in the retail sphere. Abans Managing Director Tito Pestonjee commented, “As one of the founder members, we are delighted to be a part of this initiative and agree to fully support its activities.” John Keells Group President – Retail Krishan Balendra affirmed that, “Forming a Retailers’ Association was long overdue in the retail industry,” while Singer Sri Lanka Group CEO Asoka Peiris said, “We are happy to join and be an active member of the Retailers’ Association. 

Cargills Foods Company Ltd. CEO Sidath Kodikara said, “The ultimate beneficiary of this Association is the customer.” LAUGFS Holdings Ltd. Executive Director Murali Prakash also voiced his support by saying, “As a retail industry professional I’m happy to be a part of this initiative, which will both strengthen the present industry and mentor the leadership required for the future growth of the industry.”

“We hail the Government’s initiative to make Sri Lanka a shopping paradise and envisage to make it a reality,” said the Lead Convener of the proposed Sri Lanka Retailer’s Association, Hameedia Deputy MD Hussain Sadique. The proponents of this initiative are excited about the path ahead and are keen to work with retail industry organisations across the country to take the first step of a much needed journey in promoting Sri Lanka as a premier retail destination in South Asia.

Members of the retail industry are invited to participate in the Association’s activities. For more information, please contact: Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association Secretariat: No. 30, Amarasekara Mawatha, Colombo 5. Email: [email protected], or Leonard Perera, Project Manager, Sri Lanka Retailers Association on 0727 354 880.