From Colombo to the world: CL Synergy celebrates 20 years of unwavering commitment to excellence in freight forwarding and logistics

Two decades is a significant time period in any context, so it is indeed a noteworthy milestone for leading Sri Lankan freight forwarding and logistics company, CL Synergy Ltd. (CLS), celebrating 20 years of operations in September 2024.

Today CLS boasts a team of 350 professionals, dedicated to changing the industry status quo, spread across their CMB HQ, three associate companies and five Global offices in Australia, Bangladesh, India, the United Kingdom, UAE, and the USA, servicing 4,000+ clients. As a service provider enabling the Export and Import sector, CLS is obsessed with ‘going the extra mile,’ a trait embedded in their corporate DNA, and a defining factor that serves as the driving force behind their brand differentiation.

20 years ago, nine ambitious logistics professionals dared to dream the impossible and achieve the extraordinary. Their shared vision was to challenge the existing freight forwarding industry, to add value and to enhance, and their chosen vessel was CL Synergy Ltd. These pioneers seamlessly integrated various verticals to cover the entire spectrum of the supply chain, a synergy that became the driving force behind the company’s growth and success.

The Co-founders of CL Synergy, Roshan Silva and Janaka Udamulla have been a dynamic duo, complementing each other’s strengths and implementing strategy assertively to ensure sustainable growth. Roshan’s knowledge and experience in logistics along with his natural aptitude for sales and Janaka’s mastermind financial prowess and captain cool-like temperament, was the perfect recipe for success. This leadership combination helped groom the winning team at CLS, of which most companies would be envious of. Supporting Roshan and Janaka through the years has been an amazing senior management team who have also grown with the company, with some sitting on the board currently.

The last 20 years have seen CLS grow in a multitude of aspects. To handle the increasing number of clients and provide them with the most efficient service CLS consistently upgraded its IT infrastructure, and internal and external policies and ensured that they groomed top people in the industry. From ERP implementation and dedicated leased lines to activity management systems and robotic process automation, CLS stayed current and ensured smooth operations. In addition to their Associate companies Eagle Logistics Colombo, ASB Freight, and Logistics 365, CLS has also ventured beyond its core business of Logistics, into the leisure sector with Budget and Luxury properties in Kosgoda, Galle, and Maskeliya. 

CLS approached challenges with a proactive mindset, exploring new technologies and strategies to optimise services. This daring approach sets them apart, empowering the company to push boundaries and achieve remarkable results. CLS is committed to constant refinement and growth, seeking feedback, taking full responsibility for their actions, and delivering on promises. This collective sense of ownership ensures a cohesive and reliable service that their customers and partners can trust.

Their commitment to excellence has seen CLS win over 15 awards and accolades from prestigious bodies over the years, including 3 Gold Awards and 2 Silver awards from the National Chamber of Exporters along with awards from Maersk, SLFFA, CILT, and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.  

Amidst the challenges on the global stage during COVID-19 and other local and international disruptions, CLS not only survived but thrived, successfully competing with international giants. And they believe that the true champions are their people, who continuously and consistently step up to the pedestal, ensuring that CLS comes first. 

A company that has always had an employee-first approach, CLS continues to empower its people with a modern open office, optional work-from-home and flexi-hour shifts, and recreational facilities including a pool table and regular staff welfare events. ‘CLS Friends’ is a unique program where an emergency fund is maintained by contributions of volunteer staff, to be utilised for minor staff in the company. 

CL Synergy SMILES, their flagship Corporate Social Responsibility initiative is a Unique Children’s education scholarship program, which has helped provide quality education to underprivileged children since November 2016. The Uniqueness of the program lies in its approach to identifying and awarding scholarships to disadvantaged children who need financial assistance. 

The 20th anniversary celebrations have already kicked off with a Sports Fiesta aimed at bringing out and celebrating the talent of their staff who will compete in Pool, Carrom, Badminton, Cricket, Futsal and Netball tournaments spread over a few weeks leading up to the anniversary. Religious activities, Awards ceremonies, and social media campaigns have also been lined up and will be rolled out closer to the anniversary. 

Looking beyond this significant milestone, CLS plans to continue its strategic regional and global expansion in buyer and sourcing markets, implement productivity-related automation, and actively commit to green logistics and sustainability initiatives already set in motion. 

As CLS embarks on its journey towards another 20 years, they invite you to experience the CLS difference — a synergy of assertiveness, accountability, innovation, boldness, continuous improvement, and ownership. CL Synergy’s dedication to these values is not just a promise but a testament to their enduring pursuit of excellence.