The Sri Lanka Retailers' Association will host a major industry gathering in September 2026 bringing together over 500 retail executives, policymakers and technology experts to discuss the sector's future amid rapid digital change.
The Sri Lanka Retailers' Association (SLRA) is organizing a significant industry conference scheduled for 10 September 2026 at the Lumina Ballroom in Colombo's Cinnamon Life development. Under the theme "Retail Without Boundaries: Building the Next Growth Engine," the event aims to convene more than 500 retail leaders, entrepreneurs, technology specialists, policymakers and investors for discussions on the sector's evolution.
The Forum's agenda will encompass multiple dimensions of contemporary retail challenges and opportunities. Sessions are planned to address retail growth trajectories, operational productivity, customer experience management, brand modernization strategies, digital commerce expansion, artificial intelligence applications, data utilization and technology-driven business transformation. A keynote presentation by Soumya Dwibedi of Deloitte will examine retail as an economic growth driver, focusing on regional and global market shifts and the structural changes needed to expand Sri Lanka's retail sector.
The speaker program features prominent regional and local figures from diverse retail segments. Confirmed participants include representatives from major retail operations, the postgraduate management institute at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, shopping mall management, biscuit manufacturing, hospitality associations and telecommunications companies. A dedicated panel discussion on technology and future retail will specifically explore how artificial intelligence, data analytics and hybrid physical-digital customer journeys are reshaping retail business models and supply chain operations.
Krishan Balendra, Chairperson of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, will attend as Chief Guest to discuss macroeconomic conditions and national policy directions relevant to trade and retail development. The Forum has secured support from major corporate sponsors including Keells and BYD as platinum-level backers, alongside numerous category and associate partners spanning finance, technology, logistics and retail sectors. Registration is available at LKR 22,000 for SLRA members and LKR 24,000 for non-members.