Laksala ranked amongst Sri Lanka’s 100 most respected entities – 2014

Wednesday, 13 August 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Laksala – the most renowned shopping destination in Sri Lanka has added yet another feather to its cap by gaining recognition among the 100 Most Respected Entities – 2014, compiled by LMD – The Voice of Business and Nielsen – International Research & Analytical Organisation. The analysis was based on criteria such as financial performance, quality consciousness, management profile, honesty, innovation, dynamism, corporate culture, vision and nation-mindedness.

In keeping with the vision to uplift traditional skills in rural areas, Laksala is playing a pivotal role in fostering SMEs taking inspiration from the ‘Divi Neguma’ program, while making a valuable contribution towards the national economy by showcasing local skills and talents through innovative products that appeal to international taste and preferences. Laksala’s quest for product diversification, market penetration and enhancing the brand value through continuous brand building programs has positioned it as the undisputed leader in the Gift & Souvenir Market in Sri Lanka. This was a remarkable achievement within a period of four (04) years following the restructuring of the institution after been identified as an underperforming entity and turning it around to a profit making world class shopping destination stated Laksala Chairman & CEO Anil Koswatte. Laksala was also awarded ‘The Certificate of Excellence 2014’ based on Customer reviews and ratings of shopping related Malls across the Globe by Tripadvisor – which is acclaimed as the World’s largest travel site. Laksala was the only Government institution selected for this prestigious award among 22 leading shopping destinations in Sri Lanka. Koswatte underlined the importance of being recognised amongst LMD’s Most Respected List which included multinationals, top corporates, private entities and leading state owned enterprises. He emphasised that, this is ample testimony on Laksala’s commitment towards customer satisfaction and service excellence. The Chairman and CEO further stated that, the far thinking initiative taken by the President not to privatise or liquidate Laksala which was identified as a defunct Government institution in 2009, paved the way to place it under the supervision of the Strategic Enterprise Management Agency (SEMA) in accordance with the special gazette notification issued by the President. The guidance and assistance given by Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa to turn Laksala around to a profit making entity helped in no small measure to the success story of ‘Laksala’. Presently Laksala comes under the purview of the Ministry of Botanical Gardens & Public Recreation and the constant guidance and assistance of Minister Jayarathne Herath and the Secretary Dr. Willie Gamage has helped the institution to win these accolades. The Chairman concluded by placing on record his appreciation for the confidence placed in Laksala by our valued customers, supplier base consisting of craft entrepreneurs from diverse geographical locations and the dedicated service of his management team and staff members.