Celebrating National Logistics Day: Advantis Group’s role in Sri Lanka’s logistics sector

Advantis Group Managing Director Ruwan Waidyaratne

The Advantis Group, the transportation and logistics arm of Hayleys PLC, has been at the forefront of transforming the logistics sector in Sri Lanka. 

With a rich history spanning over six decades, Advantis has consistently set benchmarks in the industry and over time gained the reputation of being Sri Lanka’s largest and most diversified transportation and logistics company. The Group’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability has not only propelled the Company to new heights but has also significantly contributed to the growth of Sri Lanka’s logistics sector. 

The National Logistics Day in Sri Lanka is a time to honour the crucial role the logistics sector plays in driving the nation’s economy. This day acknowledges the tireless efforts of all stakeholders involved in every stage of the logistics process across the island.  Amongst the key players in this vital industry, the Advantis Group stands out as a leader, driving innovation and excellence in logistics.

Over the years, Sri Lanka’s logistics sector has evolved significantly, transitioning from traditional practices to sophisticated, technology-driven operations. The island nation’s strategic location at the crossroads of major shipping routes has always positioned it as a vital hub for maritime logistics. With globalisation and the rise of e-commerce, the logistics industry in Sri Lanka has had to adapt rapidly to meet growing demands and complex challenges.

With a strong presence in the South Asian and Southeast Asian regions, the Advantis Group offers a wide range of end-to-end logistics services. The Group excels across multiple areas of logistics, showcasing its comprehensive capabilities through five key clusters. 

Under the Freight Management cluster, Advantis has established itself as a leader by representing some of the world’s most renowned brands in shipping and freight forwarding. Through these partnerships, Advantis provides local clients with access to an extensive international network, facilitating seamless global trade and enhancing connectivity with a wide range of global shipping options.

The Integrated Logistics cluster of Advantis provides end-to-end solutions that encompass storage, distribution, and freight solutions. By leveraging advanced technology and innovative practices, these services ensure streamlined operations and enhanced supply chain performance. With state-of-the-art warehousing facilities strategically located to optimise supply chain efficiency, Advantis enables clients to focus fully on their core businesses and optimise their supply chains.

In the Marine and Energy cluster, Advantis Group stands out with the largest floating asset fleet in Sri Lanka. The Group offers a 360-degree suite of marine services, including shipping solutions, offshore services, ship and crew management, fuels and energy solutions, as well as agency services, and port and terminal management. This comprehensive approach reflects Advantis’ robust and integrated strategy in maritime and energy logistics.

Advantis’ leadership is also evident in its Projects and Engineering cluster, which supports a range of complex projects requiring specialised logistics solutions. This division manages logistics for heavy and out-of-gauge cargo and provides engineering solutions, aluminium solutions, and project management services. Notably, Advantis constructed the largest single-roof warehouse in Sri Lanka using Pre-engineered Steel Building (PESB) technology and played a vital role in the construction of the New Kelani Bridge, one of the largest infrastructure developments in recent times which features the single largest suspension bridge and the longest elevated steel highway in Sri Lanka.

The Travel and Aviation cluster adds significant value to Sri Lanka’s travel and tourism industry. Advantis offers a broad suite of services, including ticketing, outbound holidays, destination management, and ground handling services. The Company also serves as the general sales agent (GSA) for world-class airlines in both passenger and cargo sectors and has been appointed as the GSA for India’s premier cruise liner. These roles contribute directly to the growth of Sri Lanka’s travel and tourism sector by enhancing connectivity and service quality for travellers. 

Reflecting on National Logistics Day, Advantis Group Managing Director Ruwan Waidyaratne shared the Group’s vision and commitment stating: “At Advantis, our goal is to revolutionise logistics in Sri Lanka by leveraging innovation and sustainability. We are committed to setting new standards of excellence and contributing to the nation’s economic growth. National Logistics Day is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all those involved in the industry, and we are proud to be a part of this journey.”

The Advantis Group’s vision aligns with the national agenda of transforming Sri Lanka into a logistics hub in the South Asian region. Through strategic partnerships, investment in infrastructure, and a focus on customer-centric solutions, Advantis is well-equipped to lead the industry into the future.

Advantis is a diversified transportation and logistics provider, with over six decades of experience and operations spread across Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, the Maldives, Myanmar, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Backed by the blue-chip multinational conglomerate Hayleys PLC, Advantis is at the forefront of the transportation and logistics industries providing end-to-end solutions covering Freight Management, Integrated Logistics, Marine and Energy, Projects and Engineering, and Travel and Aviation.  In recognition of Advantis’ exceptional service, the Group has been honoured with the prestigious title of ‘Best Transportation and Logistics Company in Sri Lanka and South Asia’ by Global Brands Magazine, UK.