SLFFA to turn a new chapter as it turns 40

• Launches National Logistics Awards 
• Application will be published on newspapers and online by early May

The Sri Lanka Logistics and Freight Forwarders’ Association (SLFFA) will be marking a key milestone in year 2021 as it celebrates its 40th anniversary since the establishment of the organisation in 1981. 

Today the Government, relevant agencies and the trade have recognised SLFFA as the apex body representing the industry. SLFFA currently has over 115 leading freight forwarding and logistics companies in its membership servicing global trade out of Sri Lanka.

The year 2020 can be considered a watershed moment for the logistics industry as the COVID-19 pandemic for the first time unleashed the importance of the logistics industry to the global community. The key role played by the logisticians who were known as unsung heroes of the supply chain for decades became visible as the world trade and transport was challenged by COVID-19. The pandemic has brought the attention of all governments and industries across the world to understand the importance of an effective and efficient logistics industry to sustain economic activity and development.

With a value of $ 4.5 trillion to the global economy, logistics is the key element of a successful supply chain for movement of cargo across locations within a country and among international borders. In Sri Lanka too the trading community depends on logistics for global competitiveness and connectivity which has helped the country to become an established global hub of the Indian sub-continent.

SLFFA has identified this crucial role and has initiated a new move with the experiences out of the 2020 global pandemic. In recognising the members’ contribution and the importance of logistics industry service sector partners, SLFFA has decided to introduce National Logistics Awards (NLA) to recognise individuals, companies and institutions involved in providing logistics services to the nation and the global customers. Therefore, the National Logistics Awards will be launched in 2021 to develop a new culture to deliver excellence in logistics in Sri Lanka through recognition and prepare the country to leap forward to develop into a next generation logistics centre in Asia.

In addition to specific air and sea developments, SLFFA is working 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 develop Sri Lanka to a major logistics hub in Asia.

The first-ever NLA is scheduled for 20 August, to be held at Shangri-La Hotel Colombo as a grand launch of this milestone event in the history of SLFFA and Sri Lanka.

The event committee has decided to link with all industry stakeholders in international trade to make this a great success. The awards will be given on different achievements and industry contributions and categories and will feature corporate awards as well as individuals who have supported the national agenda of developing and promoting the logistics sector. A well-respected team of judges from the cross section of the industry will be appointed to the select committee by SLAFFA and the application criteria will be published on newspapers and online by early May.