National Logistics Day 2024 – much deserved day of recognition for backbone of world economy

Sri Lanka’s Transport Ministry designated 16 August of every year as National Logistics Day in 2021. 

Prior to that, very little attention and recognition was given to a sector that is undoubtedly the backbone of the global economy. Logistics and transportation have been around for as long as recorded history, and Sri Lanka has been particularly important since ancient times. Aptly named the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, the island’s strategically significant position along the major East-West trading route has resulted in its historic seaports being continual hotspots of activity. However, until 1981, there was no proper body to represent all parties. All this changed in 1981, when the Sri Lanka Logistics and Freight Forwarders Association (SLFFA) was formed as the apex body of sector representation.

What you need to know about SLFFA

SLFFA was conceptualised with the aim of bringing together all industry players under one umbrella. Currently, the SLFFA counts over 170 members, and two affiliate members. These are the Association of Clearing Forwarding Agents (ACFA) and the Join Apparel Association Forum (JAAF). The SLFFA champions the cause of the sector through close interactions with its members, as well as the Government of Sri Lanka and Government entities, infrastructure partners, and relevant external stakeholders.

SLFFA’s purpose was prominently highlighted, and the mettle of its members was tested to the maximum during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. During these trying times, the logistics and transportation industry of Sri Lanka was pushed to its limits, as was the case across the world. Nevertheless, thanks to the effect of the SLFFA in bringing everyone together and working synergistically, the sector emerged unscathed, and in a stronger position than before. As the Chairman noted in his message on the SLFFA’s website: “while we are not out of the woods yet, there is no better time to re-energise some of the very important logistics industry related initiatives lobbied for prior to the pandemic. These will be SLFFA’s immediate focus.”

SLFFA is governed by a committee comprising educated and experienced industry professionals. The current committee is headed by Chairman Channa Gunawardena, Vice Chairman Andre Fernando, Treasurer Shavindra Dias. The current committee includes representation by Expelogix, MAC Supply Chain Solutions, Foreway Logistics, Famous Pacific Shipping, Freight Links International, Salota International, Speedmark Transportation, Aitken Spence Cargo, Scanwell Logistics, DHL Global Forwarding, GAC Logistics, Shermans Logistics and EFL Global.

The National Logistics Awards – The pinnacle award ceremony celebrating industry players

The National Logistics Awards (NLA) was conceptualised by SLFFA with the aim of providing a much-needed boost in recognition to the sector’s players and their valued employees. Until the NLA, there was no dedicated awards ceremony that fulfilled such a purpose. The first NLA was held on 23 March 2022, in the form of a gala banquet held at the prestigious 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 Kotelawela 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.

Why is the NLA so important to the future of Sri Lankan logistics?

To answer this question, we must first remind ourselves of a basic human tenet. Humans strive to do their best when there is an opportunity to be recognised, appreciated, and celebrated. When there is an opportunity for these wants to be fulfilled, there is always a self-driven push for continuous improvement. Most other sectors in Sri Lanka have dedicated awards ceremonies aimed at upliftment of these sectors through this principle. Alas, until SLFFA conceptualised the NLA, the logistics and transportation sector were devoid of a similar initiative.

Therefore, the National Logistics Awards (NLA) is organised to give much needed recognition to companies in 10 different sectors, which has the best practices in the industry. Sri Lanka boasts an excellent logistics and transportation industry, already performing at high levels. Digitalisation is slowly but surely being adopted, and world-class practices are being utilised. The NLA was initiated to identify the best of the best in the freight and logistics industry. There are still aspects of Sri Lanka’s geographical advantage and historical significance that can be leveraged better. It is envisioned that through initiatives such as the NLA, fresh ideas and out-of-the-box thinking will help catapult Sri Lanka to the much-desired logistics hub status that the country deserves.