SLRA holds 8th Annual General Meeting, celebrates a milestone year for Sri Lanka’s retail community

Newly appointed President: Healthguard Pharmacy CEO Infiyaz Ali 

Past President: John Keells Holdings Retail Sector President Charitha Subasinghe 

 New Executive Council for 2025–2026

The Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association (SLRA) held its 8th Annual General Meeting on 25 June, at Hilton Colombo Residencies, bringing together leaders from across the retail sector to reflect on the past year and set the course for the future.

Retail remains one of the most impactful sectors of the Sri Lankan economy, contributing approximately 15% to national GDP. It stands as the largest private-sector employer, supporting over 1 million livelihoods, and spans more than 300,000 retail locations across the country. With a market size of $ 31 billion and a consistent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6%, Sri Lanka’s retail industry was recently ranked 12th in retail attractiveness across the Asia-Pacific region. SLRA continues to be a unifying platform for formal retailers, championing industry growth, innovation, and collaboration.

Leadership transition and vision forward

At the AGM, Charitha Subasinghe, outgoing President, officially handed over leadership of the Association to Infiyaz Ali, who was appointed as the President for the 2025–2026 term.

In his farewell address, Subasinghe reflected on a year filled with strategic milestones and international recognition for Sri Lanka’s retail sector: ‘This past year has been one of meaningful progress for SLRA,’ he shared. ‘We had the honour of hosting the 21st Asia Pacific Retailers’ Convention & Exhibition (APRCE) in Colombo, an event that welcomed delegates from 18 countries and placed Sri Lanka on the global retail map. We also expanded the reach of the SLRA Academy, strengthened our engagement through new Retail Sector Committees, welcomed several new members to the fold, and launched a revamped website at www.slra.lk to better serve our community. Most importantly, we actively engaged in policy advocacy with the government, voicing the concerns and priorities of the retail industry, and contributing to national economic dialogue. These initiatives laid a strong foundation for the future of retail in Sri Lanka.’

He concluded by expressing confidence in the new leadership: ‘I leave with great optimism, knowing that Infiyaz Ali will guide SLRA into a strong and progressive future.’

Infiyaz Ali, the newly appointed President, shared his appreciation and forward vision:

“Retail is not just a sector, it is a source of stability, opportunity, and national development,”he said. “I’m honoured to lead SLRA at this pivotal time and look forward to working closely with all our members to drive transformation, sustainability, and collective progress.”

New Executive Council for 2025–2026

• President: Healthguard Pharmacy CEO Infiyaz Ali 

• Senior Vice President: Singer Sri Lanka Managing Director Mahesh Wijewardena  

• Vice President: SPAR SL CEO Kumar De Silva 

• FAPRA Chairman: FAPRA Chairman Murali Prakash  

• General Secretary: Vision Care Marketing GM Harsha Maduranga  

• Additional Secretary: Overseas Realty AGM Avanthie de Soyza 

• Treasurer: Abans PLC CMO Dr. Chathura Jayawardana 

• Assistant Treasurer: D. Samson & Sons Director Asanka Rajapaksha  

Council Members: 

•  Perera & Sons Director Ruvini Kariyawasam 

•  Celeste Daily Managing Director Janik Jayasuriya  

•  Hameedia Group Asmah Hussain 

•  Cool Planet Business Development Manager Imran Iqbal  

• Past President: John Keells Holdings Retail Sector President Charitha Subasinghe 

• Founder President: Hameedia Deputy Managing Director Hussain Sadique

Looking Ahead: Sri Lanka Retail Forum 2025

As part of its strategic plan for the year ahead, SLRA is set to host the Sri Lanka Retail Forum 2025 later this year under the timely and thought-provoking theme:

‘Retail Reimagined – Where AI Meets the Human Edge.’

The forum will feature:

• Visionary keynote speeches on artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and customer experience

• Strategic panel discussions with industry leaders, technologists, and policymakers

• Networking and learning opportunities for retailers adapting to change in a tech-driven world

The event will position Sri Lanka at the centre of the conversation on how retail can blend technology with human insight to shape the future.