Colombo Christmas Street (CCS) 2016, a Trade and Fun Fair organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Religious Affairs together with the Colombo Municipal Council, for which Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association (SLRA) became partners with, was launched on Tuesday, in Colombo.

The three-day event opened doors to its shoppers from 2.00pm to 11.00pm and will continue till Christmas Eve, at Green Path, Colombo 07.

Over 20 pop up stalls will be set up in Green Path covering sectors such as retail, home decor, food and beverage, entertainment and charity, which will offer the items at a subsidized rates according to NIA.

Several other activities such as a food festival, games, street activities, children’s play area and social service awareness are planned. The entertainment sessions will be held from 4.00pm to 11.00pm which include choirs, live bands, DJ music, animators/magicians, and a street fashion show.

This event was instigated in the month of December as it attracts a larger number of crowds. Thus targeting the impending Christmas season and creating a celebratory atmosphere would bring in large number of shoppers who would gather to experience this novel concept.

The Chairman of SLRA, Mr. Hussain Sadique said “The CCS 2016 will be open from 22nd December to 24th of December 2016, during which the Hon. Prime Minister of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka would grace the occasion as Chief Guest with the presence Minister of Tourism and other Ministers of Sri Lanka. Many celebrities and foreigners who came down from various countries would be present at this event to make the moment a glamorous activity. All citizens of Sri Lanka are invited to come visit this event and be a part of a whole new shopping experience that is held for the 1st time in Sri Lanka”.

Mr. Dinesh Weerakkody, Advisor to the Ministry of National Policies and Economic Affairs said this festival was organized in line with the Prime Minister’s vision to make Sri Lanka known like some of the East Asian Countries as a destination for festivities.

This event is a joint initiative between SLRA and the Ministry of Tourism to encourage retailers to further expand their growth in the retail industry, and will be patronized by SLRA members who have reserved Trade stalls to showcase their products. This event is the first of its kind supported by the SLRA.