SLRA - Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association > Press Releases > Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association (SLRA) partners with Colombo Christmas Street (CCS) 2016.

Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association (SLRA) partners with Colombo Christmas Street (CCS) 2016.

  • December 16, 2016
  • Posted by: Chandana Kosgallana
  • Category: Press Releases
No Comments

Left to right: Mr. Dinesh Weerakkody – Advisor to the Ministry of National Policies & Economic Affairs, Mr. Sutheash Balasubramanium – Managing Director of Sri Lanka Tourism Bureau,

Hon. John Amaratunga – Minister of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs,

Mr. Hussain Sadique – Chairman of SLRA, Mr. Leonard Perera – Founder Convenor & Head of Business of SLRA, Mr. Mehraj Sally – Group Director of Mydeal.lk.

The Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association (SLRA) was formed in October 2015 and was incorporated in June 2016 as a Company Limited by Guarantee that strives to be the “Voice of the retail industry in Sri Lanka” with an ambitious vision to “Achieve Retail Excellence”. The Association aims to harness the resources of the “Organized Retail Industry” to a common platform to promote and facilitate the futuristic Innovation, Growth and Global outreach. SLRA currently has 27 members ranging in the identified 9 Retail sectors which are: FMCG; Clothing, Fashion & Jewelry; Shelter & Housing; Household & Consumer Durables; Footwear & Accessories; E-Commerce; Mobility; Entertainment and Healthcare & Wellness.

Recently the Ministry of Tourism and Religious Affairs together with the Colombo Municipal Council announced a Trade and Fun Fair, which will be held at Green path during the impending Christmas season. The SLRA entered into a MOU with the Ministry of Tourism and respective hands of Hon. John Amaratunga, Minister of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs and Mr. Hussain Sadique, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Retailer’s Association was placed. This program was initiated by the Ministry as Sri Lanka attracts a large number of tourists during the month of December and also in a bid to create a festive atmosphere to coincide with the Christmas celebrations where large crowds would gather to experience this novel concept.

This event is a joint initiative between SLRA and the Ministry of Tourism to encourage young retail entrepreneurs facilitating them to further expand their growth in the retail industry.

Over 15 stalls have been allocated for upcoming startup businesses while 5 more stalls were allocated for charity at no cost, amounting to over 25 stalls that have been subsidized by the Association. SLRA proudly conveys the fact that ably disabled children are given the opportunity to showcase their talents by means of a dance, a puppet show and also displaying their very own handmade products for sale in the charity stalls offered by them. This act of deed is rather focused as a CSR project organized by SLRA.

The Colombo Christmas Street (CCS) program aims to create wide publicity in the media as well as advertise extensively in and around the city via ministry media unit, hoardings and cut outs, social media advertising and electronic and print media partners to attract seasonal shoppers and party goers during the season. It has been planned to hold this event annually and across the country in the future.

The event will be held from 22nd to 24th of December 2016 from 2.00pm to 11.00pm. Several activities such as trade stalls, food festival, entertainment games, street activities, children’s play area and social service awareness are planned. The entertainment sessions will be held from 4.00pm to 11.00pm which includes choirs, live bands, DJ music, animators/magicians, and a street fashion show.

This program will be patronized by SLRA members who have reserved Trade stalls to showcase their products. This event is the first of its kind supported by the SLRA.