Retailers’ Association partners Colombo Christmas Street 2016

The Ministry of Tourism and Religious Affairs together with the Colombo Municipal Council recently announced a Trade and Fun Fair, which will be held at Green Path during the impending Christmas season. 

The Sri Lankan Retailers’ Association (SLRA) entered into a MOU with the Ministry of Tourism which was agreed upon by Minister of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs John Amaratunga and SLRA Chairman Hussain Sadique.

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. 

From left: Advisor to the Ministry of National Policies and Economic Affairs Dinesh Weerakkody, Sri Lanka Tourism Bureau Managing Director Sutheash Balasubramanium, Minister of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs John Amaratunga, SLRA Chairman Hussain Sadique, SLRA Founder Convenor and Head of Business Leonard Perera and Mydeal.lk Group Director Mehraj Sally

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 five more stalls were allocated for charity at no cost, amounting to over 25 stalls that have been subsidised 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 organised 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 22 to 24 December from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. 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 p.m. to 11 p.m. which includes choirs, live bands, DJ music, animators/magicians, and a street fashion show. This program will be patronised by SLRA members who have reserved trade stalls to showcase their products. This event is the first of its kind supported by the SLRA.