National Logistics Day 2023

The third National Logistics Day is here since the Ministry of Transport designated 16 August as National Logistics Day in 2021. Designating a National Logistics Day was done to educate the public about the importance and criticality of transportation and logistics in our country. Sri Lanka boasts an extensive history of logistics since the earliest times of recorded history. Sited along the major East-West trade routes, the country’s historic seaports have been engaged in the trade for centuries. However, it was only during the latter part of the 20th century that the field received official recognition. Today, the field of transportation and logistics is championed by the Sri Lanka Logistics and Freight Forwarders Association (SLFFA), as the apex body representing the field in the country. 

What is the SLFFA?

The Sri Lanka Logistics and Freight Forwarders Association (SLFFA) was created in 1981 to act as an apex body for the burgeoning transportation and logistics industry in the country. Aimed at uniting all industry players under a common umbrella of representation, the SLFFA continues to champion the cause of industry upliftment at all relevant forums. Today, the SLFFA is highly respected and well-recognised by all relevant public and private sector entities, with 165 members as of August 2023. The SLFFA is professionally run by a committee of dynamic and prolific individuals with extensive experience as well as robust educational qualifications. 

The current committee is headed by Chairman Dinesh Sri Chandrasekara with Vice Chairman Channa Gunawardena and Treasurer Andre Fernando. Committee members include representation from several industry firms such as Ace Cargo Ltd, DHL Global Forwarding Lanka Ltd, Famous Pacific Shipping Lanka Ltd, Foreway Logistics Ltd, Freight Links International Ltd, GAC Logistics Ltd, Salota International Ltd, Scanwell Logistics Ltd, Shermans Logistics  Ltd, and Speedmark Transportation Lanka  Ltd.

Chairman Dinesh Sri Chandrasekara’s message 

It gives me great pleasure to pen this message commemorating National Logistics Day 2023. As the 20th Chairman of SLFFA, I cannot highlight enough the importance of the transportation and logistics field in nearly all aspects of our lives. Hence, I must commend all industry players for their yeoman service rendered, particularly in light of recent events such as the Covid-19 pandemic, and the economic crisis. This was one industry that couldn’t be brought to its knees but continued soldiering on, in a stellar display of the sheer commitment that the human spirit possesses when we all must come together.

It is particularly encouraging to note that Sri Lanka’s ranking on World Logistics Performance has risen by 19 positions since 2018. In 2018, we were placed 92nd, while in 2023, we can see ourselves in 73rd. However, this is still a position that is far below our true capability as a country of skilled professionals and blessed with bountiful natural resources. It is my firm belief that Sri Lanka could have ascended at least 35 places, had authorities done their part and listened to industry champions, who spoke, and continue to do so from decades of local and global experience. We are punching way below our weight and can achieve so much more.

However, rest assured that the SLFFA will continue to vociferously champion the cause of continually uplifting and enhancing the transportation and logistics industry in Sri Lanka. The industry can be considered the backbone of the country, as it supports nearly every single other industry and segment. That is why I am particularly pleased with the performance in capacity building showcased by the SLFFA’s Academy of International Trade and Transport (AITT). Since 2006, AITT provides a range of carefully curated training initiatives at all levels for individuals within the industry, as well as those wishing to join it afresh. I am proud that SLFFA has recently upgraded the AITT to be a competency-based training and assessment centre under the auspices of IATA. This modern and cutting-edge approach to education will ensure that AITT continues to train and provide world-class professionals to the industry.

To sum up, Sri Lanka has immense potential to become the next regional logistics hub. The country is blessed with a unique geographical location, a pool of highly skilled professionals, and world-class infrastructure. Connectivity between seaports and airports has improved and continues to do so with new infrastructure developments in progress. Thus, achieving the outcome of becoming a regional logistics hub is not difficult if all public and private stakeholders come together and work synergistically. SLFFA remains thoroughly committed to working with the Government and other stakeholders towards improving efficiencies and timelines, as well as removing archaic rules and regulations that act as hindrances towards this goal.

AITT – The pinnacle of industry training by SLFFA

The Academy of International Trade & Transport (AITT) was launched in November 2006 and has since garnered recognition from the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), and the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA). Furthermore, AITT has secured Accredited Training School (ATS) status with The International Air Travel Association (IATA) and has moved into Competency-Based Training and Assessment with IATA. A non-profit entity, AITT offers a range of Foundation, Diploma and Certificate-level courses for freshers as well as industry professionals to gain, bolster, and update their knowledge.

SLFFA commemorates industry excellence with National Logistics Awards

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, and the NLA attracted immense attention and interest from a variety of stakeholders and is planned to be a regular fixture in the SLFFA’s event calendar.

SLFFA’s continued commitment towards CSR

SLFFA has been practising Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for over fifteen years. Even though the Covid19 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 a 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 over Rs. 5 million. SLFFA envisions donating a further significant amount later this year as part of the proceeds from the SLFFA Dance 2023.