The Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association (SLRA) is gearing up to host the Sri Lanka Retail Forum 2026, which will convene over 500 influential figures from the retail industry, including leaders, entrepreneurs, technology specialists, policymakers, and investors. This significant event is set for Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the Lumina Ballroom within Cinnamon Life, located in the City of Dreams, Colombo. The theme for the Forum is “Retail Without Boundaries: Building the Next Growth Engine.”
The discussions at the Forum will focus on the dynamics that are influencing the next evolution of the retail landscape in Sri Lanka. Topics will encompass aspects such as retail expansion, enhancing productivity, improving customer experiences, brand evolution, digital commerce, artificial intelligence, data utilization, automation, and technology-driven business transformation.
The keynote address will be delivered by Soumya Dwibedi, a Partner at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP. His presentation, titled “Retail as a Growth Engine,” will delve into the regional and global changes in market strategies, business transformation, and the necessary structural adjustments for retail growth in Sri Lanka.
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The speaker roster includes prominent experts from both local and regional backgrounds, such as Dr. Roshan Perera from the Centre for Poverty Analysis, Dr. Asanga Ranasinghe of the Postgraduate Institute of Management at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Hansa Wongsiripitack from The 1 Central Group, Clehan Pulle of Finetech Consultancy, Mahesh Wijewardene from Singer (Sri Lanka) PLC, and Dilupa Pathirana from Barista Coffee Lanka. Their sessions will cover critical areas including productivity and performance, customer loyalty, AI-driven customer service, retail transformation, brand updates, growth strategies, and the future of specialty coffee retailing.
A notable segment of the event will be the Technology and Future Retail panel, which will be moderated by Crystal Nathan, Chief Insights Officer and Executive Director at PepperCube Consultants. Panelists will include Avanthie De Zoysa of Havelock City Mall, Nalin Karunaratne from Ceylon Biscuits Limited, Priantha Fernando of The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka, and Dr. Romesh Ranawana, Group Chief Analytics & AI Officer at Dialog Axiata PLC. This panel will discuss the impact of AI, big data, and integrated customer journeys on transforming retail business models and customer interactions.
Additionally, Krishan Balendra, the Chairperson of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, will be the Chief Guest, offering insights into the macroeconomic landscape and the national vision for trade, commerce, and retail advancement in Sri Lanka.
The Sri Lanka Retail Forum 2026 is backed by a diverse array of industry partners. Keells and BYD are the Platinum Sponsors, Singer serves as the Gold Sponsor, while Abans and Healthguard are recognized as Silver Sponsors. Other contributing partners include NDB Wealth Management, Samsung, Unilever, and John Keells Logistics, with Havelock City Mall, Vision Care, Hameedia, DSI, Cool Planet, Barista SPAR, and CBL as Associate Sponsors. Finetech will sponsor the Tech Talk segment, while P&S will act as the Strategic Sponsor. The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce will manage the event, with Lakarcade as the Official Gift & Souvenir Partner, Azbow as the Digital Partner, and Impressions Public Relations handling PR duties.
With an expected attendance of over 500 senior industry stakeholders, the Forum aims to facilitate knowledge sharing, networking opportunities, and discussions surrounding the challenges and possibilities that will define the future of retail. By concentrating on growth, customer experience, technology, artificial intelligence, productivity, and collaboration, the Forum aspires to foster a more innovative and future-ready retail sector in Sri Lanka.
Ticket prices are set at LKR 22,000 for SLRA members and LKR 24,000 for non-members. For registration and further inquiries, interested parties can contact 011 558 8892 or 011 558 8852, or email academy@chamber.lk or ccc.events@chamber.lk.
Photo Caption: Speakers and panelists at the Sri Lanka Retail Forum 2026.
Financial Chronicle Biz English | Sri Lanka Business News.
