LAUGFS Supermarkets has expanded its islandwide retail network with the opening of its 45th outlet in Ekala, Ja-Ela, adding a 24-hour store to serve the area’s growing residential and industrial communities.
LAUGFS Supermarkets expands its retail network with a 24-hour Ekala outlet
LAUGFS Supermarkets has strengthened its presence in the Ja-Ela area with the opening of a new outlet at No. 131, Minuwangoda Road, Ekala. The latest addition forms part of the company’s continuing retail expansion strategy, bringing its total number of outlets across Sri Lanka to 45.
The new store operates around the clock, providing customers with access to essential groceries and other products throughout the day and night. In addition to its general product range, the outlet offers bakery and hot food options, giving customers greater choice and convenience under one roof.
The location was selected to serve a diverse and growing customer base. The Ekala area is surrounded by industrial activity as well as residential developments, including Niwasipura and Millennium City. This combination creates demand from both households and employees working in nearby industrial and commercial establishments.
The 24-hour operating model is particularly suited to an area where customer needs can extend beyond conventional shopping hours. For residents, workers and commuters, extended operating hours can provide greater flexibility for purchasing groceries, prepared food and other everyday necessities.
The opening ceremony was attended by senior representatives of LAUGFS Holdings and LAUGFS Supermarkets, including the Group Chairman, Group Executive Vice Chairman and Acting Group Managing Director/Group Executive Director, along with the Sector Managing Director/CEO – Retail and Chief Operating Officer of LAUGFS Supermarkets.
Niroshan De Silva, Sector Managing Director/CEO Retail, said the opening of the 45th outlet represented another important milestone in the company’s retail expansion journey. He also highlighted the contribution of employees and the importance of identifying locations with strong potential when expanding the network.
According to De Silva, the Ekala outlet strengthens the company’s presence in the wider Ja-Ela area while supporting its objective of making quality retail experiences more accessible and convenient to customers.
The expansion comes as Sri Lanka’s modern retail sector continues to evolve, with consumers increasingly looking for convenience, product variety and accessibility. Store location and operating hours have consequently become important factors in determining how retailers compete for customer spending.
For LAUGFS Supermarkets, expanding into strategically positioned communities provides an opportunity to bring its retail offering closer to consumers while increasing the reach of its existing network. The Ekala location offers access to both established residential communities and a significant industrial catchment area.
The outlet’s bakery and hot food facilities also broaden its proposition beyond traditional grocery shopping. Ready-to-eat and freshly prepared food can provide an additional convenience for customers who may be travelling, working nearby or looking for quick meal options outside conventional household shopping trips.
The continued focus on strategically selected locations indicates that the company’s expansion is not solely centred on increasing outlet numbers. Positioning stores in areas with a combination of population growth, employment activity and changing consumer requirements can help retailers build more sustainable customer bases.
The new Ekala outlet also adds to the retail infrastructure available to consumers in the Ja-Ela region. As residential developments continue to expand around established urban and industrial areas, retailers have an opportunity to respond to changing patterns of demand by establishing stores closer to where people live and work.
For LAUGFS Supermarkets, the 45th outlet represents another step in building a wider islandwide footprint. The company said its expansion remains focused on delivering convenience, quality and greater choice while strengthening its presence in communities across Sri Lanka.
The Ekala opening therefore marks more than the addition of another store to the network. It reflects the company’s broader approach to retail growth, combining strategic location selection with extended operating hours and a wider product offering designed around everyday customer needs.
As LAUGFS Supermarkets continues its retail expansion, the latest outlet demonstrates the importance of adapting store formats and locations to local demand. With its 24-hour operation and proximity to both residential and industrial communities, the Ekala store is positioned to serve a broad customer base while strengthening the company’s presence in the growing Ja-Ela market.