Sri Lanka Shines at APRCE Tokyo 2026: Suwanda Industries Takes Regional Social Responsibility Award
Image credit: Lanka Business News
Sri Lanka’s retail industry marked a significant regional milestone at the 22nd Asia-Pacific Retailers Convention & Exhibition (APRCE) in Tokyo, where a Sri Lankan company received a major social responsibility award, Abans PLC was recognised for an environmental initiative, and Sri Lankan retail leadership gained a senior appointment within the region’s industry organisation.
A 16-member delegation representing leading Sri Lankan businesses took part in APRCE Tokyo 2026, with participation facilitated by the Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association (SLRA). Held under the theme “The Future of Retail: Innovation Meets Tradition,” the convention brought together retail leaders from across the Asia-Pacific for discussions, networking and the exchange of industry perspectives.
For Sri Lanka, the gathering offered more than a platform to present its retail sector. It brought recognition for local initiatives and businesses, strengthened the country’s presence in a regional retail organisation, and created opportunities for connections with industry leaders beyond its own market.
A social responsibility award for Suwanda Industries
The central achievement for the Sri Lankan delegation was Suwanda Industries (Cycle Pure Incense) winning the FAPRA Asia-Pacific Award 2026 for Best Efforts in Social Responsibility. The company was recognised for its initiative, “Suwandaka Saviya – The Hands That Build Hope,” at the APRCE Gala Awards.
The award stood out among submissions from more than 15 Asia-Pacific countries and regions, placing a Sri Lankan social responsibility initiative on a wider regional stage. It was a particularly notable result for a company whose work was selected for recognition among entries representing a broad range of markets.
AI-generated illustration based on the source report; it is not a photograph of the programme or its beneficiaries.
The initiative’s title, “The Hands That Build Hope,” conveys a focus on people and community. The source report does not provide further operational details about the programme, so the award is best understood through what has been confirmed: Suwanda Industries’ entry received regional recognition for its social responsibility efforts, and its achievement was celebrated at APRCE.
That recognition also reflects the value of a regional platform where initiatives developed by businesses in Sri Lanka can be considered alongside work from across the Asia-Pacific. Such visibility can help bring attention to local approaches and encourage useful exchanges about how companies can contribute to communities while building sustainable businesses.
Abans recognised for a green initiative
Suwanda Industries was not the only Sri Lankan business to receive recognition. Abans PLC secured the SLRA Retail Awards 2026 Country Award for “Haritha Wiruwa – Green Hero.” The initiative was recognised as the best overall entry across five award categories.
Together, the two awards highlighted different strands of responsibility within Sri Lankan retail: Suwanda Industries’ social responsibility work and Abans PLC’s environmental initiative. The results offered a positive account of local businesses taking part in a wider conversation about the role retailers can play in society.
Sri Lankan representation in regional retail leadership
Sri Lanka’s contribution extended beyond the awards. Murali Prakash, identified as FAPRA’s outgoing Chairman and a Past President and Executive Committee Member of SLRA, was elected Deputy Chairman of the Federation of Asia-Pacific Retailers Associations (FAPRA) for the next term.
The appointment strengthens Sri Lanka’s representation within the regional retail community. For a sector navigating changing consumer expectations, digital developments and new models of commerce, participation in regional leadership can help ensure that Sri Lankan perspectives are present in conversations about shared challenges and opportunities.
The appointment also complements the country’s participation in APRCE: recognition for Sri Lankan businesses was accompanied by a greater institutional role for a Sri Lankan retail leader. Both are important forms of connection, bringing visibility to local work and creating channels for continued engagement across the region.
Presenting Sri Lanka’s retail landscape
Infiyaz Ali, President of SLRA, presented Sri Lanka’s Country Status Report at APRCE. The report highlighted the retail sector’s economic and employment contribution, the country’s evolving retail landscape, growth opportunities, and the potential for regional trade and investment collaboration.
Such a presentation gives an international industry audience a structured view of Sri Lanka’s retail environment. It also provides a basis for dialogue about where collaboration may be possible, from exchanging knowledge and industry experience to exploring business relationships across markets.
The delegation’s programme included conference sessions, networking with regional industry leaders and retail exposure in Tokyo, including a facilitated visit to the renowned Ginza retail district. This combination of formal discussion and direct observation offered participants an opportunity to consider how retail operates in a major international market and to build professional connections with peers.
AI-generated illustration based on the source report; it is not a photograph from the delegation’s visit.
A broad delegation and a platform for future connections
The 16-member mission brought together representatives from Abans, Healthguard, Hameedia, Singer, NoLimit, Lakarcade, One Galle Face Mall of Shangri-La Hotels Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, and Suwanda Industries. The businesses represented a range of retail and consumer-sector perspectives, giving the delegation a breadth that extended beyond any single company or retail format.
For the Sri Lankan retail industry, participation in APRCE provides an avenue for making connections, sharing local experience and learning from developments elsewhere in the region. The awards and leadership appointment brought added distinction to this year’s mission, while the country report and networking programme created space for further discussion about trade, investment and collaboration.
For Sri Lankans at home and abroad who follow the country’s business achievements, the Tokyo gathering offers a welcome example of local companies and industry leaders gaining recognition in a regional forum. Suwanda Industries’ award placed its social responsibility initiative before a wider audience; Abans’ Country Award recognised an environmental initiative; and Murali Prakash’s election added to Sri Lanka’s voice within FAPRA.
APRCE Tokyo 2026 therefore marked a positive moment for the country’s retail sector: one shaped by achievement, representation and the potential for stronger regional relationships. The next opportunity will be to build on that visibility through continued participation, practical partnerships and further recognition of work emerging from Sri Lanka’s businesses.
Readers can find more Sri Lankan business and community stories through eLanka, which shares news and updates with the global Sri Lankan community.
Sources: Lanka Business News and Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association.
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