SLRA and PIM inaugurate second batch of Retail Leadership Development Program following exceptional industry response

Participants of the SLRA–PIM Retail Leadership Development Program Batch 02, together with the leadership of the Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association and the Postgraduate Institute of Management, at the official inauguration of the program

The Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association (SLRA), in collaboration with the Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM), officially inaugurated the second batch of the SLRA–PIM Retail Leadership Development Program on 31 July 2026 at the Postgraduate Institute of Management, marking another significant milestone in strengthening leadership capabilities within Sri Lanka’s retail industry.

Building on the success of its inaugural cohort, the program has attracted an exceptional response from the retail sector, with nominations exceeding the available intake. The overwhelming interest highlights the industry’s growing recognition of the importance of investing in leadership development to build resilient, future-ready organisations.

The inauguration ceremony brought together senior representatives from leading retail organisations, industry professionals, and academia, underscoring the collaborative commitment to nurturing the next generation of retail leaders.

The head table comprised Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM) Director Dr. Asanga Ranasinghe; Senior Lecturer Dr. Samantha Rathnayake, Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association President Infiyaz Ali; SLRA Immediate Past President Charitha Subasinghe; and Senior Vice President Mahesh Wijewardene.

The event featured the official inauguration of the program, an introductory briefing outlining the curriculum and learning journey, and networking opportunities among participants and representatives from Sri Lanka’s leading retail organisations. The programme has been designed to create a platform where emerging retail leaders can gain practical knowledge, exchange experiences, and develop the leadership capabilities required to navigate an increasingly dynamic retail landscape.

PIM Director Dr. Asanga Ranasignhe welcomed the guests to this special event. Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association President Infiyaz Ali said, “We are delighted by the exceptional response received for the SLRA–PIM Retail Leadership Development Program, with nominations exceeding the available intake.

The official inauguration of the SLRA–PIM Retail Leadership Development Program Batch 02

This remarkable level of interest reflects the Sri Lankan retail industry’s strong commitment to developing capable, future-ready leaders who will shape the sector in the years ahead. We sincerely appreciate every retail organisation that placed its confidence in this initiative by nominating their emerging leaders. As Batch 02 begins its leadership journey, we look forward to seeing participants strengthen their capabilities through learning, collaboration and practical industry exposure. Together, we are building a stronger future for Sri Lanka’s retail industry.”

Jointly organised by the Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association and the Postgraduate Institute of Management, the program has been specifically designed for retail professionals seeking to strengthen their leadership, business, and strategic management capabilities. Over a period of six to seven months, participants will complete 90 hours of executive learning through carefully curated sessions delivered by experienced academics and industry practitioners.

The program focuses on developing competencies in leadership and strategic thinking, retail operations excellence, customer experience, commercial and financial acumen, team leadership, innovation, digital transformation, communication, and executive presence. It is tailored for professionals including sales managers, business development managers, area managers, branch managers, retail operations managers, account managers, category managers, and other mid-to-senior retail management professionals.

Through this continued partnership, SLRA and PIM reaffirm their shared commitment to developing a strong pipeline of retail leaders equipped with the knowledge, skills, and strategic mindset required to drive innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth across Sri Lanka’s retail sector.