The Retail Leadership Excellence Program that was held on May 24 was the very first retail learning workshop that was organized by the Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association (SLRA).
This workshop saw over 40 executive and middle level employees learning of managing retail business effectively, developing leadership skills, effective communication, operational excellence, customer care skills development and understanding retail technology, which sums up to the ultimate scope of the retail industry.
SLRA organized this program under the umbrella of the envisaged Retail Academy and in partnership with Sensei Lanka, who designed and conducted this program with a three-month post follow up session.
Before the commencement of the workshop, SLRA launched the Sri Lanka Retailers’ Academy.
The Founder Convener and Head of Business of SLRA, Leonard Perera outlined the initiatives and activities of the SLRA since its inception in October 2015.
The Retail Academy Project Chairman Suresh Sebastian spoke about its objectives in developing retail professionals. Chairman of SLRA, Hussain Sadique said, “Our common vision is to make Sri Lanka Retail Academy a dynamic body that develops global retail best practices, professionals and standards in Sri Lanka.”
The chief guest and keynote speaker Murali Prakash outlined the current retail landscape, its place in Sri Lanka’s economy and opportunities that retail professionals have to grow in this environment while contributing to the economy of the country.
Partner, Senior Management Consultant of Sensei International and the Chief Trainer and Coach of this program, Ranjan de Silva described his journey from the time he launched Keells Super in 1991 as a Director of the company and his experience of developing leaders in leading companies of over 24 countries.
Dr. Rohantha Athukorale and Murali Prakash spoke about leadership for effective retail management and shared their experiences of being in the industry for many years.
Customer care excellence for retail success was covered by Hussain Sadique, while operational excellence for retail success was addressed by Asoka Peiris and Krishan Balendra.
The last session was delivered by Nalaka Umagiliya and Dulith Herath who spoke and shared their experiences on retail technology for effective retail management. The SLRA calendar for this year has lined up the first ever Sri Lanka Retail Forum in September, and the Sri Lanka Shopping Festival in September/October with government patronage.