Sri Lanka’s retail industry marked a proud milestone at the 22nd Asia-Pacific Retailers Convention & Exhibition (APRCE) in Tokyo, with regional award recognition, a key leadership appointment and new opportunities for cross-border collaboration.
A 16-member delegation representing leading Sri Lankan businesses participated in APRCE Tokyo 2026, facilitated by the Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association (SLRA). Held under the theme “The Future of Retail: Innovation Meets Tradition,” the event brought together retail leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region for industry insights, networking and exploration of emerging retail trends.
A Crowning Achievement for Sri Lanka
The highlight of the mission was the prestigious FAPRA Asia-Pacific Award 2026 for Best Efforts in Social Responsibility, won by Suwanda Industries (Cycle Pure Incense) for its initiative, “Suwandaka Saviya – The Hands That Build Hope.” Recognised at the APRCE Gala Awards, the achievement stood out among submissions from more than 15 Asia-Pacific countries and regions, placing a powerful Sri Lankan story of social responsibility on the regional stage.
Adding to the celebrations, Abans PLC secured the SLRA Retail Awards 2026 Country Award for “Haritha Wiruwa – Green Hero,” recognised as the best overall initiative across five award categories.
Sri Lankan Leadership on the Regional Stage
Sri Lanka’s presence extended beyond recognition. Murali Prakash, Outgoing Chairman of FAPRA and a Past President and Executive Committee Member of SLRA, was elected Deputy Chairman of FAPRA for the next term, strengthening Sri Lanka’s representation within the Asia-Pacific retail community.
Meanwhile, Infiyaz Ali, President of SLRA, presented Sri Lanka’s Country Status Report at APRCE, highlighting the retail sector’s economic and employment contribution, the country’s evolving retail landscape, growth opportunities and potential for regional trade and investment collaboration.
The delegation also benefited from conference sessions, networking with regional industry leaders and retail exposure in Tokyo, including a facilitated visit to the renowned Ginza retail district.
Connecting Sri Lankan Retail with Regional Opportunities
Representatives from Abans, Healthguard, Hameedia, Singer, NoLimit, Lakarcade, One Galle Face Mall of Shangri-La Hotels Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, and Suwanda Industries took part in the mission, bringing together diverse perspectives from Sri Lanka’s retail and consumer sectors.
The mission reflects SLRA’s continuing commitment to connecting Sri Lankan retailers with international knowledge, regional networks and opportunities for collaboration—supporting a more competitive, innovative and globally connected retail industry.
From a prestigious regional award to stronger representation in Asia-Pacific retail leadership, APRCE Tokyo 2026 was a significant moment for Sri Lanka’s retail sector—and a platform on which to build future partnerships.
Photo caption : From [L-R], Chathura Jayawardena, Chief Marketing Officer | Abans PLC, receiving the Sri Lankan Retail Country Award from Murali Prakash, Chairman | Federation of Asia-Pacific Retailers Associations (FAPRA).
Anuradha Ekanayake, CEO of Suwanda Industries (Pvt) Ltd, receiving the FAPRA Asia-Pacific Award 2026 for Best Efforts in Social Responsibility from Murali Prakash, Chairman | Federation of Asia-Pacific Retailers Associations (FAPRA)
