The Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association (SLRA), in collaboration with the Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM), officially inaugurated the second batch of the SLRA–PIM Retail Leadership Development Programme on July 31, 2026, at the Postgraduate Institute of Management. The initiative marks another important step towards strengthening leadership capabilities within Sri Lanka’s retail sector.
Following the success of its inaugural cohort, the programme has received an exceptional response from the retail industry, with nominations exceeding the available intake. The strong demand reflects the growing recognition among businesses of the importance of developing capable leaders who can build resilient and future-ready organisations.
The inauguration brought together senior representatives from leading retail organisations, industry professionals, and academics, highlighting the sector-wide commitment to developing the next generation of retail leadership talent.
The head table comprised Dr. Asanga Ranasinghe, Director of the Postgraduate Institute of Management; Dr. Samantha Rathnayake, Senior Lecturer at PIM; Infiyaz Ali, President of the Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association; Charitha Subasinghe, Immediate Past President of SLRA; and Mahesh Wijewardene, Senior Vice President of SLRA.
The event featured the official inauguration of the programme, an introductory briefing on the curriculum and learning journey, and networking opportunities among participants and representatives from leading retail organisations. The programme is designed to provide emerging retail leaders with practical knowledge, opportunities to exchange industry experiences, and the leadership capabilities required to navigate an increasingly dynamic and competitive retail environment.
Welcoming the guests, Dr. Asanga Ranasinghe, Director of PIM, highlighted the significance of the initiative in developing leadership talent within the retail sector.
Commenting on the successful launch of the second batch, Infiyaz Ali, President of the Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association, said, “We are delighted by the exceptional response received for the SLRA–PIM Retail Leadership Development Programme, with nominations exceeding the available intake. This remarkable level of interest reflects the Sri Lankan retail industry’s strong commitment to developing capable, future-ready leaders who will shape the sector in the years ahead. We sincerely appreciate every retail organisation that placed its confidence in this initiative by nominating their emerging leaders. As Batch 02 begins its leadership journey, we look forward to seeing participants strengthen their capabilities through learning, collaboration and practical industry exposure. Together, we are building a stronger future for Sri Lanka’s retail industry.”
Jointly organised by the Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association and the Postgraduate Institute of Management, the programme is specifically designed for retail professionals seeking to enhance their leadership, business, and strategic management capabilities.