SLRA and PIM launch Retail Leadership Development Program

From left: PIM Senior Lecturer/Faculty Dr. Samantha Ratnayake, Director Dr. Asanga Ranasinghe, SLRA President Charitha Subasinghe, Treasurer Ruvini Kariyawasam and Secretary Shashini Somapala

• Retail industry contributes to 1/3rd of the GDP and 15% of the work force is employed in the retail industry
• With the boom in tourism Sri Lanka poised to be a “Retail Tourism” destination

 By Amira Cader

The Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association (SLRA), in collaboration with the Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM), has unveiled a pioneering initiative aimed at developing the leadership capabilities of retail workforce.

The Retail Leadership Development Program (RLDP) is set to reshape the landscape of retail management in the country. As Sri Lanka positions itself as a key “Retail Tourism” destination, the program is designed to address the increasing demand for skilled leaders in the retail industry.

Retail plays a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s economy, contributing to nearly a third of the country’s GDP. The retail sector also provides employment to 15% of the nation’s workforce. As tourism continues to grow, the country’s potential as a retail tourism hub becomes even more pronounced. 

PIM Director Dr. Asanga Ranasinghe described this program as a pressing need for leadership that can navigate both local and global retail trends while driving innovation in a rapidly evolving market.

“RLDP has been created with a clear understanding of the challenges faced by the retail industry. It is more than just a program for theoretical learning — it aims to develop practical, actionable leadership skills essential for today’s competitive retail environment,” Ranasinghe added.

Also commenting at the inauguration, SLRA President Charitha Subasinghe said, “RLDP represents a crucial step toward fostering a new generation of retail leaders in Sri Lanka. With the retail industry positioned for growth and the tourism sector on the rise, there is a clear need for leaders who can navigate both challenges and opportunities. This program will not only help individuals from prominent retailer industry advance in their careers but will also contribute significantly to the strengthening of Sri Lanka’s retail industry as a whole”.

Participants will benefit from a comprehensive curriculum, covering areas such as:

• Digital Transformation in Retail
• Retail Intelligence: Using Data for Decision Making
• Retail Finance and Strategy
• Customer-Centric Service Excellence
• Negotiation and Networking in Retail
• End-to-End Supply Chain Management
• Resilient Leadership in the Retail Environment

These modules are specifically tailored to ensure that participants gain not only the technical knowledge but also the leadership mindset needed to thrive in the evolving retail landscape.

The response to the program has been overwhelming, with over 70 registrations received already, prompting the program to be conducted in two batches. This strong demand reflects the industry’s recognition of the need for continuous skill enhancement. As the retail sector grows in complexity, managers and executives need advanced knowledge in areas ranging from supply chain management to marketing and customer service.

Companies represented at the program are Abans PLC, Jaykay Marketing Services Ltd., Richard Peiris Distribution Lanka Ltd., Singer Sri Lanka and Unilever Sri Lanka Ltd.

The RLDP’s 90-hour course will be delivered over seven months, with sessions held every two weeks. The program will involve interactive classroom sessions, real-world case studies and practical skill demonstrations, allowing participants to directly apply what they have learned to real-world scenarios. The curriculum has been designed in collaboration with both industry experts and PIM faculty, ensuring it is both current and comprehensive.

Participants will also develop skills in managing crises, building strong customer relationships, and utilising digital tools to enhance decision-making. In doing so, they will be equipped not only to manage but also to innovate within the retail industry

The program is priced at Rs. 125,000 for non-members and Rs. 100,000 for SLRA members, with the fee including refreshments. The sessions will take place at PIM in Colombo and are designed to be time-efficient, requiring approximately eight hours of commitment every two weeks.

This structure ensures that busy retail professionals can benefit from advanced training without compromising their work schedules.

As Sri Lanka moves towards becoming a premier retail tourism destination, initiatives like the RLDP are key to ensuring the industry remains dynamic, competitive and prepared for the future.