The Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association (SLRA) recently hosted the Sri Lanka Retail Forum 2026 at Cinnamon Life in Colombo, attracting over 500 influential figures from the retail industry, including leaders, entrepreneurs, technology specialists, policymakers, and investors. The event was themed “Retail Without Boundaries: Building the Next Growth Engine.”
During the Forum, participants explored the dynamics influencing the future of Sri Lanka’s retail landscape, engaging in discussions on various topics such as retail expansion, operational efficiency, customer engagement, brand evolution, digital commerce, artificial intelligence, data utilization, and technological advancements in business.
Krishan Balendra, who serves as the Chairperson of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, was the Chief Guest at the event. He provided insights into the macroeconomic environment and the national policy direction aimed at enhancing trade, commerce, and retail growth in Sri Lanka.
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The keynote speech was delivered by Soumya Dwibedi, a Partner at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP, who addressed the theme “Retail as a Growth Engine.” His presentation examined both regional and global trends affecting market strategies, the need for business transformation, and the structural adjustments necessary for retail growth in Sri Lanka.
A diverse array of speakers enriched the Forum, including Dr. Roshan Perera from the Centre for Poverty Analysis, Dr. Asanga Ranasinghe from the Postgraduate Institute of Management at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Hansa Wongsiripitack of The 1 Central Group, Clehan Pulle, CEO of Finetech Consultancy, Mahesh Wijewardene, Group Managing Director of Singer (Sri Lanka) PLC, and Dilupa Pathirana, CEO of Barista Coffee Lanka. Their presentations focused on enhancing productivity, improving customer loyalty, integrating AI in customer service, retail transformation, brand innovation, growth strategies, and the evolving landscape of specialty coffee retail.
A standout feature of the event was the panel discussion titled ‘Technology and Future Retail,’ led by Crystal Nathan, Chief Insights Officer and Executive Director at PepperCube Consultants. Panelists included Avanthie De Zoysa, General Manager of Marketing & Leasing at Havelock City Mall; Nalin Karunaratne, CEO of Ceylon Biscuits Limited; and Priantha Fernando, CEO of The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka. The panel conversation delved into how artificial intelligence, big data, and hybrid customer experiences are reshaping retail business models, supply chains, and consumer interactions.
The Sri Lanka Retail Forum 2026 received substantial support from various industry partners. Keells and BYD served as Platinum Sponsors, while Singer was a Gold Sponsor, and Abans and Healthguard were Silver Sponsors. Other category partners included NDB Wealth Management, Samsung, Unilever, and John Keells Logistics. Additionally, Havelock City Mall, Vision Care, Hameedia, DSI, Cool Planet, Barista SPAR, Nestle, and CBL contributed as Associate Sponsors. Finetech sponsored the Tech Talk segment, while P&S acted as the Strategic Sponsor. The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce managed the event, with Lakarcade as the Official Gift & Souvenir Partner, Azbow as the Digital Partner, and Impressions Public Relations handling PR. Rupavahini partnered for television media coverage, and Wijeya Newspapers was the print media partner.
With a turnout of over 500 senior industry representatives, the Forum facilitated valuable exchanges of knowledge, networking opportunities, and discussions centered around the prospects and challenges facing the retail sector. By emphasizing growth, customer experience, technological innovation, artificial intelligence, productivity, and collaboration, the Sri Lanka Retail Forum 2026 played a vital role in fostering a more innovative and forward-looking retail environment in the country.
