The Sri Lanka Retailers' Association (SLRA) is set to host the retail industry’s premier knowledge event, the Sri Lanka Retail Forum 2023, commencing at 9.00 am on 19th October 2023, at the Shangri-La Hotel Colombo.

Conducted this year under the theme "Sparking Success: Reigniting the Flame of Retail Growth", the Forum will explore emerging trends in retail both locally and globally, and explore innovative strategies to enhance retail operations and consumer reach.

Aiming to inspire and invigorate the Sri Lankan retail industry, the sessions have been curated to explore key aspects of the retail industry, in order to identify current industry challenges, share innovative best practices, and spotlight key turning points.

Participants will have the opportunity to hear from national and international industry leaders, gaining insights on emerging opportunities for Sri Lankan retailers to capitalize on, key challenges that need to be addressed to ensure sustainable growth, as well as leveraging emerging international trends in the local context. While the first two sessions of the Forum will focus on the current industry dynamics and its pivotal role in bridging products and consumers, Sessions 3 and 4 will expand this discourse and explore the way forward.

Session 3 titled Beyond the Retail Walls; Outside – In, will integrate perspectives of external stakeholders and examine the influence of retail on Sri Lanka’s economy. Speakers at this session will be Mr. Murtaza Jafferjee, CEO – JB Securities Ltd. and Mr. Vajira Ellepola, Director General and CEO - Employers’ Federation of Ceylon, while panelists will comprise Ms. Aruni Goonetilleke, Former Chairperson HNB PLC, Mr. Dinesh Weerakody, Chairman - Colombo Port City Economic Commission and Board of Investment, and with Mr. Dhananath Fernando, CEO - Advocata Institute, moderating the session.

Session 4 titled Exploring the Tourism-Retail Nexus, will hear from Mr. Dileep Mudandeniya - Senior Vice President Global Alliances & Partnerships, John Keells Leisure and Head of Corporate Affairs – John Keells Group, with panelists Mr. Sid Solanki, Centre Director, Shangri-La Hotels and Mr. Ajai V. Singh, Founder and Managing Director – Colombo Fashion Week, with Mr. Shamindra Kulamanage, Co-founder and Chief Editor – Echelon Magazine, moderating the session.

Founded in 2015, the Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association serves as the foremost authority on organized retailing within Sri Lanka. Its mission is dedicated to the pursuit of 'Retail Excellence' and the representation of the retail industry's interests throughout the nation. The SLRA comprises members from a diverse range of sectors, including FMCG, Clothing, Fashion & Jewellery, Household & Consumer Durables, Footwear & Accessories, E-Commerce, Entertainment & QSR, and Healthcare & Wellness.

The Sri Lanka Retail Forum 2023 is coordinated by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. For more information and registration details, please contact Shehara de Silva via +94-11-5588882 or +94 714983824.