The Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association (SLRA), in partnership with the Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM), launched the second cohort of the SLRA–PIM Retail Leadership Development Programme on July 31, 2026, at the PIM campus. This event marks a significant step forward in enhancing leadership skills within Sri Lanka’s retail sector.
Following the success of the first batch, the programme has seen a remarkable response from the retail community, with applications surpassing the number of available spots. This strong interest underscores the sector’s increasing awareness of the value of leadership development in fostering resilient and adaptable organizations.
The inauguration ceremony featured prominent figures from major retail companies, industry experts, and academic representatives, emphasizing a collective effort to cultivate the next generation of retail leaders.
Among the distinguished guests at the head table were Dr. Asanga Ranasinghe, Director of PIM; Dr. Samantha Rathnayake, Senior Lecturer at PIM; Infiyaz Ali, President of SLRA; Charitha Subasinghe, Immediate Past President of SLRA; and Mahesh Wijewardene, Senior Vice President of SLRA.
The event included the formal launch of the programme, an overview of the curriculum and learning experience, as well as networking opportunities for participants and representatives from leading retail firms in Sri Lanka. The initiative aims to provide a platform for emerging leaders in retail to acquire practical knowledge, share experiences, and enhance the leadership skills necessary for navigating the evolving retail environment.
Dr. Asanga Ranasinghe welcomed attendees and highlighted the significance of the occasion. Infiyaz Ali, President of SLRA, expressed his enthusiasm about the program’s successful launch, stating, “We are thrilled by the overwhelming response to the SLRA–PIM Retail Leadership Development Programme, with nominations exceeding our capacity. This impressive interest indicates the Sri Lankan retail industry’s dedication to cultivating capable, future-ready leaders who will influence the sector in the coming years. We are grateful to all retail organizations that have shown their trust in this initiative by nominating their emerging leaders. As this second batch embarks on their leadership journey, we anticipate participants will enhance their capabilities through learning, collaboration, and practical industry experience. Together, we are paving the way for a more robust future for Sri Lanka’s retail landscape.”
Designed collaboratively by the SLRA and PIM, the programme targets retail professionals aiming to boost their leadership, business, and strategic management skills. Over a span of six to seven months, participants will engage in 90 hours of executive education through meticulously planned sessions led by seasoned academics and industry experts.
The curriculum focuses on building skills in leadership and strategic thinking, excellence in retail operations, customer experience, commercial and financial acumen, team leadership, innovation, digital transformation, communication, and executive presence. It is specifically tailored for professionals such as sales managers, business development managers, area managers, branch managers, retail operations managers, account managers, category managers, and other mid-to-senior management roles in retail.
This ongoing collaboration between SLRA and PIM reinforces their commitment to nurturing a robust pipeline of retail leaders equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills, and strategic insight to promote innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth within Sri Lanka’s retail sector.
The official launch of the SLRA–PIM Retail Leadership Development Programme Batch 02 was celebrated with enthusiasm.
Photo Caption: Participants of the SLRA–PIM Retail Leadership Development Programme Batch 02, along with the leadership from the Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association (SLRA) and the Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM), at the programme’s official inauguration.
Source: Financial Chronicle Biz English | Sri Lanka Business News.
