The expansion of a Sri Lankan convenience store brand with the largest number of new outlets to go live across the country in a short time span, was witnessed on 28 March in Kohuwela.
No less than 52 new Lanka Sathosa outlets will open across Sri Lanka in the coming days, pursuant to the unveiling of the new Kohuwela branch of Lanka Sathosa store by HE the President Maithripala Sirisena on 28 March. The unveiling of the new Kohuwela Lanka Sathosa was also the go ahead signal by HE the President to launch another 52 new such branches across the country by 4 April. The other 52 branches are scheduled to be launched by socio-political figures in the region.
Joining HE the President on the occasion was Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen (under whom Lanka Sathosa operates), Minister of National Co-existence Dialogue and Official Languages Mano Ganesan, UNP MP SM Marikkar, ย State Minister of National Integration and Reconciliation HM Fowzie and Chairman of Lanka Sathosa TMKB Tennakoon.
HE the President Maithripala Sirisena simultaneously unveiled the National Consumer Week culminating on April 4 โthe date by when the other 52 new branches of Lanka Sathosa are scheduled to be open and start functioning, to seize the forthcoming Sinhala and Hindu New Year seasonโs demand build-up. The other 52 branches are Akkraipattu, Ampara (second branch), Anuradhapura (third branch), Attidiya, Marawankumbuka, Dambulla, Dehiwela, Devinuwarra, Eheliyagoda, Ethiliwewa, Galewela, Gonagaldeniya, Habarana, Hanguranketha, Kahatagasdigiliya, Kahawatte, Kalmunai, Karawanella, Kathankudi, Katuwana, Kitulgala, Kokkadicholai, Kuruwita, Madapatha, Madawala, Marudhamunai, Matale, Polgasowita (Mattegoda), Middeniya, Molagoda, Moneragala (second and third branches), Mulleriyawa, Nathpitimunei, Nawagamuwa, Nildandahinna, Nintavur, Paddirippu, Pelwatte, Pitabeddra, Polwaga Kolani, Potuvil, Thunkama, Udawalawa, Vanathavilluwa, Veeraketiya, Wellawaya (third branch), Yakkala, Yatiyana, Kelaniya, and Balangoda.
The total number of Lanka Sathosa outlets planned is 500 and by end of this year, Minister Bathiudeen plans to activate all 500. Once the 500 outlets are completed by end-2017, Lanka Sathosa outlet network expansion will stop and the establishment of 8000 new Lanka Sathosa retail franchises using existing SME grocery shops and retailers is scheduled to start. The Kohuwela branch opened on 28 March becomes the 328th in the network.
Lanka Sathosa reports an annual network turnover of Rs. 30 billion. Among other important projects in its restructuring under the consultancy of KPMG Sri Lanka, are installation of new CCTV systems, setting up of five laboratories, and installation of Human Resource Information System to manage its 3500-employee squad island-wide.
Leader of All Ceylon Makkal Congress