The Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association (SLRA) successfully convened its 9th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 23 June 2026 at Hilton Colombo Residencies, bringing together leaders from Sri Lanka’s organized retail sector to reflect on the Association’s achievements over the past year and unveil its strategic direction for the future.
During the AGM, members formally adopted the Annual Report and Audited Financial Statements for the financial year 2025/26 and elected the Office Bearers and Executive Council for 2026–2027, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the Association’s continued growth and industry leadership.
New Leadership for 2026–2027
Mr. Infiyaz M. Ali, Director of Healthguard Pharmacy Ltd, was elected as President of the Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association for the 2026–2027 term. He will be supported by:
- Senior Vice President: Mr. Mahesh Wijewardena – Executive Director & Group Chief Executive Officer, Singer (Sri Lanka) PLC
- Vice President: Mr. Kumar De Silva – CEO, SPAR SL Private Ltd
The newly appointed Executive Council brings together senior professionals representing leading organizations across Sri Lanka’s retail landscape, reflecting the Association’s commitment to serving the diverse interests of the industry.
Addressing the gathering, President Infiyaz M. Ali emphasized the importance of collaboration, innovation, and industry advocacy in shaping the future of Sri Lanka’s retail sector.
“Retail continues to be one of the most dynamic sectors of the Sri Lankan economy. As consumer expectations evolve and technology reshapes the industry, the role of SLRA is to create opportunities for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and collective action. We remain committed to supporting our members and contributing to the sustainable growth of the retail ecosystem.”
Government Support for Retail Development
The AGM was honoured by the presence of Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, who attended as the Chief Guest.
In his address, the Minister underscored the retail sector’s vital contribution to economic growth, employment generation, and consumer welfare, while highlighting the importance of strengthening public-private collaboration to enhance the industry’s competitiveness.
Economic Outlook and Industry Insights
Members also benefited from an insightful presentation by Mr. Chayu Damsinghe, Head of Macroeconomic Advisory at Frontier Research, who shared his perspectives on Sri Lanka’s economic outlook, emerging business trends, and the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for the private sector.
Sri Lanka Retail Forum 2026
A key highlight of the evening was the official presentation of the upcoming Sri Lanka Retail Forum 2026, SLRA’s flagship industry event, which will be held under the theme:
“Retail Without Boundaries – Building the Next Growth Engine.”
The Forum is expected to bring together over 500 industry leaders, retailers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, technology providers, and investors, creating a platform for meaningful dialogue on innovation, digital transformation, consumer trends, and the future of retail.
Strengthening the Retail Ecosystem
The Association reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s retail industry through:
- Industry advocacy
- Professional development
- Policy engagement
- Knowledge-sharing initiatives
- Innovation and business growth platforms
Since its establishment in 2015, the Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association has played a pivotal role in uniting retailers across diverse sectors, including FMCG, fashion, healthcare, consumer electronics, and digital commerce, providing a unified voice for Sri Lanka’s organized retail industry.
With a renewed leadership team and an ambitious programme of initiatives planned for the year ahead, SLRA looks forward to working closely with its members, government stakeholders, and industry partners to strengthen Sri Lanka’s retail sector and contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic development.
Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association Executive Council (2026–2027)
President
Infiyaz M. Ali – Director, Healthguard Pharmacy Ltd
Senior Vice President
Mahesh Wijewardena – Executive Director & 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 Soyza – 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
Executive 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 & CEO, Barista Coffee Lanka (Pvt) Ltd
- Charitha Subasinghe – Past President, SLRA & President – Retail Sector, John Keells Group
- Hussain Sadique – Founder President, SLRA
