He went on to explain, “The contribution to the Sri Lankan Economy from the Retail Sector is much bigger when we look at the Retail sector as a total Eco-System. Why I call it an eco-system is because, in addition to the directly involved suppliers and team members, it also provides investment opportunities for land and building owners and Mall operators to earn a rental income, service providers such as Security companies and Janitorial companies to recruit and provide services, providing boarding facilities and meals to the significant number of team members who come to the city for employment in the retail sector and the transport and logistic providers. If you add the total eco-system, the statistics would be significantly higher.”
He further stated” As the SLRA, our role will continue to drive quality into the Retail Business and augment it. Last year we promised to look at how we improve the Talent. I am pleased to inform you that after much discussion and evaluation we have agreed a Leadership program with the Post Graduate Institute of management (PIM). At the entrance desk you will be able to collect a brochure and a contact number where you will be able to understand the program further. We believe it is great program and I do hope that each one of you would send in your talent for the program which will enable you to improve on the Talent. Talent is something that we are say that we lack. We can’t complain forever. We need to take control of this subject. This is a tool to further help us in that direction.”
Following this address, Mr. Hussain Sidique, Founder President of the SLRA addressed the gathering and announced the new Presidet and Executive Council for the SLRA. Mr. Charitha Subasinghe was named President Elect of the SLRA for the year 2024/2025, as a decision had been made to every committee to serve for two years as per the article of circulation, in order to make a greater impact on the retail industry.
The new Executive Council for the SLRA for the year 2024/2025 comprises of, Mr. Infiyaz M. Ali, CEO of Healthguard Pharmacy Ltd., as Vice President, Mr. Mahesh Wijewardena, Group CEO of Singer Sri Lanka as Vice President, Mr. Kumar De Silva, CEO of SPAR SL Private Ltd. as General Secretary, Mr. Asanka Rajapaksa, Director of D Samson & Sons (Pvt) Ltd. as Assistant General Secretary, Ms. Ruvini Kariyawasam, Director of Corporate Affairs at Perera & Sons Bakers Ltd, as Treasurer, Mr. Harsha Maduranga, GM/Head of Marketing of Vision Care as Assistant Treasurer, Shabier Suban, Director of Fashion Bug, as Council Member, Mr. Indika Perera, COO, Cargills Foods Company (Pvt) Ltd. as Council Member, Avanthie de Soysa, Assistant General Manager, Overseas Reality Pvt Ltd. Mr. Chathura Jayawardana, Chief Marketing Officer, Abans PLC as Council Member, Mr. Murali Prakash, Past President, Sri Lanka Retailers Association and Former President, Mr. Hussain Sidique, Deputy Managing Director of Hameedia and Founder President.
The announcement of the Executive Committee was followed by an indepth overview of the 21st Asia-Pacific Retailers Convention & Exhibition (APRCE), by Mr. Infiyaz M. Ali. The APRCE is organised by the Federation of Asia-Pacific Retailers Associations (FAPRA) and is set to take place at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) on the 5th and 6th of September 2024.
Executive Council Head table
Image Caption : New Executive Council for the SLRA for the year 2024/2025
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