What happened to ‘Mod Tradi Consumer’

Thursday, 22 May 2025 02:38 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Asanga Ranasingher

Ravi Bamunusinghe

Yash Naik

Janaki Bamunusinghe

A fire side chat on 6 June to explore latest insights about the contemporary Sri Lankan consumer

Ananda Business Network (ABN) will hold an insightful fireside chat exploring the latest research on the contemporary Sri Lankan consumer.

The event will feature the authors of the publication “Contemporary Sri Lankan Consumer – Insights into the Emerging Behaviours and Value Propositions” on 6 June at 6 p.m. at The Kingsbury, Colombo.

This is a unique opportunity for professionals across all sectors to gain valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of the Sri Lankan market. The event is open to the public.

During this engaging fireside chat, attendees will gain firsthand understanding of the authors’ key observations and discuss their direct relevance to formulating effective business strategies. In a market where in-depth consumer analysis is often scarce, this session promises to be an invaluable resource for professionals seeking a competitive edge.

In 2009, the late Professor Uditha Liyanage, in his revised edition of “Profiling the Sri Lankan Consumer,” introduced the insightful concept of the “Mod Tradi Consumer.” He observed that while outward behaviours might show Western influences, core value systems remained largely traditional, symbolised by someone wearing branded jeans with a pirith thread.

Since 2009, Sri Lanka has undergone significant socio-economic transformations, including the end of the war, shifts in governance and economic policies, the growth of tourism, and periods of both economic boom and crisis (Easter Bombings, COVID-19, economic downturn, mass migration, and the current IMF-backed recovery). These dramatic changes have undoubtedly reshaped consumer behaviors.

The authors of “Contemporary Sri Lankan Consumer” — Dr. Asanaga Ranasinghe, Dr. Ravi Bamunusinghe, Yash Naik, and Janaki Bamunusinghe — all seasoned experts in marketing and related fields, have conducted an in-depth analysis of today’s Sri Lankan consumer through demographic, economic, social, and cultural lenses.

Their research highlights significant shifts in the social and cultural fabric, driven by declining fertility rates, rapid aging, increased migration, digitisation, the rise of gig work, and a growing entrepreneurial spirit. These transformations are leading to drastic lifestyle changes, particularly among younger generations, necessitating a re-evaluation of market segments and the development of innovative, tailored products and services.

“Following a keynote address by veteran business professional Deepal Sooriyaarachchi, we anticipate a vibrant discussion and valuable knowledge sharing that will broaden the audience’s perspectives. We believe this session will illuminate multifaceted implications, not only at the enterprise level but also at the national level as well,” stated Ananda Business Network Chairman Lalith Withana. The event tickets can be obtained by contacting Imalka on 0702450850.

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