The Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association (SLRA) held its 8th Annual General Meeting on June 25, 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 USD 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: Infiyaz Ali – CEO, Healthguard Pharmacy Ltd
- Senior Vice President: Mahesh Wijewardena – Managing Director, Singer Sri Lanka
- Vice President: Kumar De Silva – CEO, SPAR SL Pvt Ltd
- FAPRA Chairman: Murali Prakash – Chairman, FAPRA
- General Secretary: Harsha Maduranga – GM, Marketing, Vision Care
- Additional Secretary: Avanthie de Soyza – AGM, Overseas Realty Pvt Ltd
- Treasurer: Dr. Chathura Jayawardana – CMO, Abans PLC
- Assistant Treasurer: Asanka Rajapaksha – Director, D. Samson & Sons
- Council Members:
• Ruvini Kariyawasam – Director, Perera & Sons
• Janik Jayasuriya – Managing Director, Celeste Daily
• Asmah Hussain – Hameedia Group
• Imran Iqbal – Business Development Manager, Cool Planet - Past President: Charitha Subasinghe – President, Retail Sector, John Keells Holdings PLC
- Founder President: Hussain Sadique – Deputy Managing Director, Hameedia
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 center of the conversation on how retail can blend technology with human insight to shape the future.
