Overview of Sri Lanka Logistics and Freight Forwarders Association

The Sri Lanka Logistics and Freight Forwarders Association (SLFFA) was established in 1981 with the objective of bringing all freight forwarders and logistics providers under one umbrella and with a view to institutionalising and professionalising the trade. Today the Government, relevant Government agencies and the trade have recognised the SLFFA as the Apex body representing the industry. SLFFA currently has 179 leading freight forwarding and logistics companies in its membership and 2 affiliated members namely Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) and Association of Clearing Forwarding Agents (ACFA).

In addition to specific Air and Sea matters, SLFFA work towards maximising benefits to the freight forwarding and logistics industry by exploiting to the maximum potential of Sri Lanka’s strategic geographical location. It has identified the need for greater investment for the development of Air and Sea freight facilities, infrastructure and in the development of human resources to sustain the fruition of Sri Lanka becoming the hub port in the region.

Towards this, SLFFA has played a participatory role in developing a comprehensive shipping policy for Sri Lanka and in formulating a National Civil Aviation Development Plan. The Association is also working towards raising standards within the industry and making the Sri Lankan freight forwarding and logistics industry a dynamic and more responsive trade sector by reducing the inconsistencies in vital areas such as documentation, liability insurance, standard trading conditions, and settlement of claims to be in the best interests of the trade.

SLFFA is governed by a committee comprising educated and experienced industry professionals. The current committee is headed by Channa Gunawardena as Chairman, Andre Fernando as Vice Chairman, Shavindra Dias as Treasurer. The current committee includes representation by Famous Pacific Shipping Ltd., Freight Links International Ltd., Salota International Ltd., Speedmark Transportation Lanka Ltd., Aitken Spence Cargo Ltd., Scanwell Logistics Colombo Ltd., DHL Global Forwarding Lanka Ltd., GAC Logistics Ltd., Shermans Logistics Ltd., and Expolanka Freight Ltd.

The Advisory Council includes the Past Chairman/Chairperson namely Dinesh Sri Chandrasekara, Roshan Silva, Jagath Pathirane, Tania Polonnowita Wettimuny, Dushmantha Karannagoda, Mohan S Mohanadas and Tony De Livera. 

In addition, SLFFA is also an active member of local bodies that are actively involved in the country’s trade and commerce such as The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and The Sri Lanka Shippers Council. SLFFA liaises closely with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Ports and Shipping, Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd., Sri Lanka Customs, Board of Investment, and Director General Merchant Shipping. 

In a nutshell, we grow with the Nation, with the Economy, and with the dynamic business environment. 

Sri Lanka, also known as the paradise in the Indian Ocean in ancient days, is now set to become the South Asian hub that would see an increase in freight forwarding activities through the extensive use of cutting-edge technology. The vision is to expand the scope of SLFFA Cargo Services Limited as the commercial arm of SLFFA and develop projects in areas such as E.D.I., training, ocean freight handling that would be for the common use and benefit of the whole freight forwarding and logistics industry. Hence, along with much improvement in the current state of business which is made possible due to the support of the authorities involved such as the Airport Aviation Services, the Port Authority, the EDB, the Department of Civil Aviation, Airlines and the Shipping companies themselves, would make Sri Lanka the best hub in this region and of course one of the leading in the world, in the long run.

AITT – The Pinnacle of Industry Training by SLFFA

SLFFA launched an international class training academy in November 2006. Fully endorsed and supported by its members and all sectors of trade and industry connected to international trade and transportation, it has been named as The Academy of International Trade and Transport (AITT).

AITT is the training arm of SLFFA and endorsed by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA), and the Competency-based Training and Assessment (CBTA) of International Air Transport Association (IATA). It is also a training institute approved by the Directorate of Merchant Shipping, Ministry of Ports and Aviation.

The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) is the trusted source to help you prepare, handle or accept dangerous goods shipments by air. Recognised by the global airline industry for over 60 years, the DGR is the most complete, up-to-date, and user-friendly reference enabling companies to ensure their shipments are compliant with the latest regulations. All parties involved in the shipment of dangerous goods by air can benefit from using the DGR including airlines, freight forwarders, ground handlers, manufacturers, and shippers.

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The Association is mindful of the developments taking place in the international freight forwarding arena and tries to keep the Sri Lankan freight forwarding and logistics industry abreast with the rest of the world. SLFFA also keep connection with activities in other parts of the World and as such is an active member of the regional and global freight forwarding bodies, the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) and Federation of Asia-Pacific Air Cargo Associations (FAPAA), the regional body formed by seventeen country Association who are very active in developing common solutions to issues of concern to air forwarders at a global and regional level.

SLFFA Commemorates Industry Excellence with the National Logistics Awards (NLA)

The sole awards ceremony in the country dedicated to the Transport and Logistics Industry was conceptualised and implemented by SLFFA in 2022. The National Logistics Awards (NLA) was the brainchild of then-committee Chairman Roshan Silva, who envisioned an event to celebrate the tireless efforts of the industry’s personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic. Culminating in a gala event at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo, the NLA attracted immense attention and interest from a variety of stakeholders and is planned to be scheduled for the second time on 23 October 2024 at the Shangri-La Hotel Colombo. Spearheaded by a competent panel of judges chaired by Dr. Lalith Edirisinghe, the panel includes individuals from various entities, including CINEC Campus, Sir John Kotalawela Defence University, The University of Moratuwa, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Airport and Aviation Services Limited, Sri Lanka Customs, Shippers Council, E&Y, the Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents, the Export Development Board and the Board of investment. The judging panel carefully and critically evaluates entrants based on multiple criteria, with certain processes and procedures in place to ensure fairness and objectivity.

SLFFA’s Continued Commitment towards CSR

SLFFA has been practicing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for over fifteen years. Even though the

COVID-19 pandemic put a dampener on activities during 2020 and a part of 2021, activities resumed in late 2021 with a renewed vigour. Over the years, SLFFA has always donated a part of its proceeds towards the Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital, a Government healthcare facility for children with over 1,100 beds. Throughout the years, the SLFFA has undertaken worthy projects that include donation of 31 operating theatre doors, 10 special patient trolleys, a CCTV camera system, cleaning equipment, and furniture. The total value of SLFFA’s donations to the hospital is in excess of Rs. 7 million todate.