A Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association (SLRA) delegation met with Mano Tittawella - Senior Advisor, Ministry of Finance & Media to discuss initiatives in creating new jobs and employment opportunities in the organised retail industry through its membership comprising of top local corporate entities geared towards partnering and supporting the Governments’ one million new jobs under its ‘Three Year Economic Delivery Program’.
SLRA is developing budget proposals to design retail focused professional courses and vocational training complemented with government grants as a public – private partnership, and to support Government initiatives in creating new jobs and employment opportunities in the retail sector.
The SLRA is planning to initiate a Future Retail Professional Program with NVQ certification through the Retail Academy. The program includes a three month certificate course, a 6 month diploma course, along with a one year internship for school leavers across the country. The project aims to attract the young generation and produce more professionals in the retail industry.
The Government granted Rs 50 million in the National Budget 2017 to conduct the first ever Colombo International Shopping Festival (CISF) and the Implementation of the VAT refund system for foreign tourists.