Sri Lanka’s organised retail sector expressed it is positioning itself for a recovery in consumer spending and seeking a stronger voice in economic policymaking as businesses prepare for the next phase of growth following the country’s economic crisis.
The Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association (SLRA), which represents leading retailers across sectors including supermarkets, fashion, healthcare, consumer electronics and e-commerce, said it would focus on industry advocacy, policy engagement and innovation as it unveiled its roadmap for the year ahead at its annual general meeting.
The sector’s renewed optimism comes as Sri Lanka’s economy continues to recover from its worst financial crisis in decades, with private sector credit growth accelerating and remittance inflows strengthening, although inflation has begun to rise again following recent energy price increases.
“Retail continues to be one of the most dynamic sectors of the Sri Lankan economy,” newly elected SLRA President Infiyaz M. Ali said.
“As consumer expectations evolve and technology reshapes the industry, the role of SLRA is to create opportunities for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and collective action.”
The association signalled its ambitions for the sector by announcing that its flagship Sri Lanka Retail Forum 2026 will be held under the theme ‘Retail Without Boundaries – Building the Next Growth Engine’, reflecting expectations that retail could play a larger role in supporting economic growth as household demand gradually recovers.
The forum is expected to attract more than 500 retailers, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and technology providers to discuss emerging industry trends and future growth opportunities.
Retailers are also seeking closer engagement with policymakers as the industry navigates a changing business environment shaped by inflation, digitalisation and evolving consumer behaviour.
Trade Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe, who attended the event, described retail as a key contributor to economic development, employment generation and consumer welfare, while calling for stronger public-private sector collaboration to improve the industry’s competitiveness.
The association said it would continue to support retailers through advocacy efforts, professional development initiatives and policy engagement while promoting innovation and business growth across the sector.
Founded in 2015, the SLRA has emerged as one of the main industry bodies representing Sri Lanka’s organised retail sector, bringing together companies spanning FMCG, healthcare, fashion and digital commerce.
The newly elected Office Bearers and Executive Council for 2026–2027
Executive Council for 2026–2027
- President: Infiyaz M. Ali – Director, Healthguard Pharmacy Ltd
- Senior Vice President: Mahesh Wijewardena – Executive Director and Group Chief Executive Officer, Singer (Sri Lanka) PLC
- Vice President: Kumar De Silva – CEO, SPAR SL Private Ltd
- FAPRA Chairman: Murali Prakash – Chairman, FAPRA
- General Secretary: Harsha Maduranga – General Manager / Head of Marketing, Vision Care
- Additional Secretary: Avanthie de Zoyza – Assistant General Manager, Overseas Realty Pvt Ltd
- Treasurer: Dr. Chathura Jayawardana – Chief Marketing Officer, Abans PLC
- Assistant Treasurer: Asanka Rajapaksha – Director, D. Samson & Sons (Pvt) Ltd
Council Members:
- Ruvini Kariyawasam – Director, Corporate Affairs, Perera and Sons Bakers (Pvt) Ltd
- Janik Jayasuriya – Founder & Managing Director, Celeste Daily
- Mikail Hameed – Business Development Manager, Hameedia Group
- Imran Iqbal – Chief Business Development Officer, Cool Planet
- Ravindu Thilakawardhana – Director / CEO, Thilakawardhana Textiles
- Dilupa Pathirana – Director & Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Barista Coffee Lanka (Pvt) Ltd
- Past President: Charitha Subasinghe – President – Retail Sector, John Keells Group
- Founder President: Hussain Sadique – Hameedia
