Local retailers are optimistic that the current outbreak of Covid-19 will have less of a negative impact on the retail sector than the previous seven-week lockdown, according to the Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association (SLRA).
Speaking to The Sunday Morning Business, SLRA Founder Chairman Hussain Sadique stated that this time around, the Government is better equipped to handle the outbreak, and since there is no community spread, retailers expect to come out of it in around two weeks.
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SLRA Founder Chairman Hussain Sadique[/caption]
"We think that two weeks is enough time for the Government to ensure public safety. Since there is no community spread, the Government will do PCR tests to find the positive cases and then isolate them. Therefore, this will not be as bad as the last one or take as long to come out of."
However, Sadique explained that there will be an impact to retailers selling nonessential products, since the Government and people will be prioritising safety over nonessentials. Despite this, he stated they have had no discussions with the Government, as they have already been given flexibility to engage in scaled-down manufacturing.
The SLRA is the largest retail network in the country with membership of leading companies from diverse sectors in the retail industry. The SLRA was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee in 2016, and operates under the aegis of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.
Speaking to The Sunday Morning Business during the first half of October, Sadique stated that during the last lockdown, retail activity was seen mainly in the groceries and pharmaceutical areas, but this time, they are expecting performance across all sectors of the retail industry.
Furthermore, Sadique explained that Sri Lanka is not in a sufficient financially stable position to afford another lockdown. Nevertheless, if another lockdown does become necessary, the country should not hesitate to comply, as safety should be our primary concern.
“The Government is prepared in terms of healthcare and safety measures as they were expecting another wave. So hopefully, this cluster too will be controlled."
A report compiled by First Capital Research during the first lockdown stated that the retail industry was highly impacted as it deals mostly with nonessentials.
“The retail sector is exposed because it is struck by a double whammy due to social distancing requirements coupled with the Government deciding to suspend/limit importation of nonessential items,” the report added.
It further noted that wholesale and retail trade will face significant challenges due to import restrictions, worsening exchange rate, and declines in real income.
Currently, the Government has imposed quarantine curfew in several regions including the Gampaha District, the Western Province, and areas in Kalutara. The most recent quarantine curfew imposition, in the Western Province, began at midnight on Thursday (29), and is set to end tomorrow (2).
However, according to Army Commander Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva, all essential services and essential service employees have permission to travel during the quarantine curfew period, making this period more flexible than the last. This includes flexibility offered to ride-hailing apps such as PickMe, which has already begun delivering essential items, groceries, and prepared food to households in areas under quarantine curfew.
SLRA Founder Chairman Hussain Sadique[/caption]
"We think that two weeks is enough time for the Government to ensure public safety. Since there is no community spread, the Government will do PCR tests to find the positive cases and then isolate them. Therefore, this will not be as bad as the last one or take as long to come out of."
However, Sadique explained that there will be an impact to retailers selling nonessential products, since the Government and people will be prioritising safety over nonessentials. Despite this, he stated they have had no discussions with the Government, as they have already been given flexibility to engage in scaled-down manufacturing.
The SLRA is the largest retail network in the country with membership of leading companies from diverse sectors in the retail industry. The SLRA was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee in 2016, and operates under the aegis of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.
Speaking to The Sunday Morning Business during the first half of October, Sadique stated that during the last lockdown, retail activity was seen mainly in the groceries and pharmaceutical areas, but this time, they are expecting performance across all sectors of the retail industry.
Furthermore, Sadique explained that Sri Lanka is not in a sufficient financially stable position to afford another lockdown. Nevertheless, if another lockdown does become necessary, the country should not hesitate to comply, as safety should be our primary concern.
“The Government is prepared in terms of healthcare and safety measures as they were expecting another wave. So hopefully, this cluster too will be controlled."
A report compiled by First Capital Research during the first lockdown stated that the retail industry was highly impacted as it deals mostly with nonessentials.
“The retail sector is exposed because it is struck by a double whammy due to social distancing requirements coupled with the Government deciding to suspend/limit importation of nonessential items,” the report added.
It further noted that wholesale and retail trade will face significant challenges due to import restrictions, worsening exchange rate, and declines in real income.
Currently, the Government has imposed quarantine curfew in several regions including the Gampaha District, the Western Province, and areas in Kalutara. The most recent quarantine curfew imposition, in the Western Province, began at midnight on Thursday (29), and is set to end tomorrow (2).
However, according to Army Commander Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva, all essential services and essential service employees have permission to travel during the quarantine curfew period, making this period more flexible than the last. This includes flexibility offered to ride-hailing apps such as PickMe, which has already begun delivering essential items, groceries, and prepared food to households in areas under quarantine curfew.