“AI increases profits while reducing un ethical intervention which is proven by Successful Global Business Models”

Artificial Intelligence(AI) is still only a buzz word in the Sri Lankan society, though many wanted to have an awareness of the concept the resources are scares, even still the IT industry has not formulated any awareness programs or a Degree yet to cope with the development. But world education warns that there want be any IT based jobs in future without learning the AI. AI has multiple use in any discipline and it has the ability to increase the efficiency of the work intern cut down the product or the service cost. Below description is how the application of AI can smoother the function of Logistic or the Supply Chain Management.

AI Integrating Procedure for Distribution Systems

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in logistics can greatly improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance decision-making in simple enhance the profit margins. Below is a structured overview of how AI can be used in logistics, including key applications, tools, and real-world examples. Machine Learning(ML) is the foundation to AI but subsequently develops the capability of absorbing the information from the cloud (IT environment) and produce future behavior or trends by analyzing the fed data to the computers on a certain period of time. In some occasions vendors offer unbelievable discounts by using ML or AI, because it clearly understands the market behavior, human behavior, expiration and many other variables that gives the profits or losses to the product or the service.

Key Areas Where AI is Used in Logistics;

· Demand Forecasting

· Route Optimization

· Warehouse Automation

· Predictive Maintenance

· Inventory Management

· Supply chain Management

· Customer Service with Chat bots

· Fraud Detection and Risk Management

1. Demand Forecasting

AI can analyze historical data, market trends, and external factors (like weather or news) to:

· Predict product demand more accurately

· Optimize inventory levels

· Reduce stockouts or overstocking

Tools: Machine learning models (e.g., time series forecasting) and IT platforms/software like Amazon Forecast, Prophet by Meta. These are the software applications that helps to understand the future trends.

Amazon Forecasting software

Traditional forecasting methods typically rely on statistical modeling, but software like “Chronos” that treats time series data (data collected during a certain period of time) as a language to be modeled and uses a pre-trained FM (forecast Models) to generate forecasts, which similar to how “Large Language Models” (LLMs) generate texts helps you achieve accurate predictions faster, significantly reducing development time compared to traditional methods.

Prophet by Meta

Prophet is a very efficient and accurate procedure for forecasting time series data based on an additive model where non-linear trends are fit with yearly, weekly, and daily seasonality, plus holiday effects. It works best with time series that have strong seasonal effects and several seasons of historical data. This software adds many social, cultural and geographical variables other than internal information to decision making.

2. Route Optimization

AI-powered systems can calculate the most efficient delivery routes in real-time using:

· Traffic data

· Weather conditions

· Delivery time windows

· Vehicle capacity and fuel usage

Example: UPS (one of the largest Logistic companies in the world) uses its ORION system (AI-based) to save millions of gallons of fuel per year.

IT Tools: Google OR-Tools, Route4Me, Mapbox with ML integration.

IBM Maximo is a multi-facet coordinator

The “Route4Me” IT platform automates and integrates mission-critical last mile workflows, empowering route planners, dispatchers, drivers, and managers to take the business to the next level. Distribution networks, passenger transportation networks can achieve much cost reduction by using above platforms. This is a good platform for the Sri Lanka passenger industry to reduce the overheads for the population. In Sri Lanka “Pick me” and “Uber” uses similar platforms in their transportation industry. Whole three wheeler industry can be regulating with this kind of software and transfer benefits to the passengers.

3. Warehouse Automation

AI enables:

· Robotics for picking, packing, and sorting

· Vision systems for scanning and inventory management

· Autonomous forklifts and drones for internal transport

Example: Amazon’s use of “Kiva robots” in fulfillment(distribution) centers.

Kiva Robots in Warehouses

Traditionally, goods are moved around a distribution center using a conveyor system  or by human-operated machines (such as forklifts). In Kiva’s approach, items are stored in portable storage units. When an order is entered into the Kiva database system, the software locates the closest automated guided vehicle to the item and directs it to retrieve it. The mobile robots navigate around the warehouse by following a series of computerized bar-code stickers on the floor. Each drive unit has a sensor that prevents it from colliding with others. When the drive unit reaches the target location, it slides underneath the pod(Pallet) and lifts it off the ground through a corkscrew action. The robot then carries the pod to the specified human operator to pick up the items or subsequently hand over to the “drone” to deliver to the customer. Human intervention is minimal and accordingly overheads are reduced, Sri Lanka needs to achieve this kind of operational level in order to par with the international markets.

4. Predictive Maintenance

Traditionally Sri Lankans are week in maintenance, they basically wait until the machine stops in the other way bureaucratic too are much restrict on the maintenance and the procurement procedure. Applying this kind of maintenance software will eradicate all of these lethargies and the bureaucratic blocks. Subsequently continuing the smooth operations and productions.

AI monitors equipment (vehicles, conveyor belts, etc.) to:

· Predict when they will fail

· Schedule maintenance proactively

· Reduce downtime and repair costs

Tools: IoT(internet of things as cameras, sensors, GPS etc.) sensors + ML models (e.g., anomaly detection), IT platforms like IBM Maximo.

IBM Maximo is a multi-facet coordinator

“From equipment to factories, from fleets to infrastructure, Maximo Application Suite empowers users across verticals to coordinate maintenance and management for a broad range of asset classes”.

5. Supply Chain Visibility

AI can analyze data across the supply chain to:

· Track shipments in real-time

· Identify delays or bottlenecks

· Provide predictive ETAs

📦 Example: DHL (Logistic Company) uses AI to forecast transit delays and offer dynamic ETA updates.

This is an ideal tool for cargo management, ideal for sea ports and the air ports in Sri Lanka. This is one of the grave gray areas in the port system, though the port system is lacking the required information due to that the client has to pay the demurrages and warehouse cost for the ports. Also, cut down unnecessary delays and reduce bribes and corruption at all levels.

6. Inventory Management

AI helps optimize:

· Stock levels across multiple warehouses

· Replenishment timing

· Safety stock calculation

Tools: ERP (Entrepreneur Resource Planning) systems with embedded AI (e.g., SAP, Oracle), custom ML models.

These systems drastically reduce the human intervention and speedup the Supply management process.

7. Customer Service & Chatbots

AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can:

· Handle customer queries 24/7

· Track orders

· Provide personalized delivery updates

Tools: Dialogflow, Microsoft Bot Framework, ChatGPT API

Dialogflow

“Dialogflow” is a natural language understanding IT platform that makes it easy to design and integrate a conversational user interface into the mobile app, web application, device, bot, interactive voice response system, and so on. Using Dialogflow, establishments can provide new and engaging ways for users to interact with the product. Dialogflow can analyze multiple types of input from the customers, including text or audio inputs (like from a phone or voice recording). It can also respond to the customers in a couple of ways, either through text or with synthetic speech.

AI Conversational Chatbots Platform

Above IT platforms control the human intervention and reduce the cost of employees. Chatbots are basically efficient than the humans due to the high memory power for the standard customer inquiries. Application to Government sector will reduce the burden for the general public.

8. Fraud Detection & Risk Management

AI detects unusual patterns in:

· Orders

· Transactions

· Supplier behavior

Helps prevent:

· Cargo theft

· Counterfeit goods

· Financial fraud

*”KPMG Clara” for Supply Chain Risk Management

“KPMG Clara” is an AI-powered IT platform offering supply chain analytics, risk detection, and compliance management.

Key Features:

· AI-driven risk modeling

· ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) and compliance monitoring

· Predictive analytics for disruptions

· Supplier risk scoring

“Geo Analysis” (AI based) IT platform in Supply Chain Access Control

Above IT platform Monitor access patterns across cross-border freight hubs, regional warehouses, and remote carrier logins. “Geo analysis” for supply chain authentication identifies impossible travel, geo-inconsistencies, and spoofed IPs to reduce credential abuse and unauthorized entry into logistics systems. This important IT platform can reduce corruption and many unethical practices, ideal tool for the Sri Lankan Government sector that can curb the mal practices.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a remarkable IT tool which can apply in almost all the sectors that can reap the Efficiency and Accuracy. In above paragraphs I have described the application in different stages of the Logistic or the Supply Chain Management. Application of AI tools can be done on stages as initially find the specific pain points pertaining to the supply chain and then, prepare data from the GPS, inventory systems, sales forecasts and supplier records. Subsequently can understand the specific AI platforms and ML models to suit the SCM operation. Further, can apply in a small scale as a pilot project and analyze impact as cost savings or efficiency gains. Once understand the model can roll out to other areas of operations in the establishment.

Final outcome will be “15% reduction in fuel cost, 20% faster deliveries, Increased customer satisfaction”

There may be many negative lobbies since this is new to the many sectors in the country and further ability to proof the corruption but proper education and understanding the world AI based business models, establishments can reach the required goal.

(Writer can be reached at, chandana_w@yahoo.com)

by Lt Col. Chandana Weerakoon.
Chartered Logistician

Since having my baby, I have been regularly met with the question, “Are you back at work?”

“No,”

I reply. “I am doing my PhD from home.”

Several emotions arise. I feel guilty that I am not back at work, that somehow I should be. I also feel relieved that I can justify my time at home by offering up the PhD as a worthy endeavour. Sometimes, the person responds in surprise, “Oh, so no work?” Other times, they are approving, “How lucky for you and your baby.” Occasionally, there is the advice, “Don’t give up work.”

At the back of my mind are certain thoughts. “Am I not ‘working’? Isn’t the work of motherhood also considered ‘work’? If it isn’t, shouldn’t it be?”

Although the questions, comments, and advice about returning to work are made innocently enough, mostly benevolently, they have prompted me to reflect on the idea of work and motherhood, and how mothers and society view both.

Motherhood, I believe, is a full-time, highly skilled, unpaid job that never ends. All mothers work at least two jobs. They do the work of mothering, and also work in either a paid or unpaid additional role. Many women will do even more. They mother, care for their elderly parents, work a paid job, voluntarily contribute to community building, and try to fit in creative pursuits, hobbies, or ‘self-care’ when they can.

Motherhood requires many skills. You are, effectively, the CEO of your family and home (with hopefully a supportive co-CEO by your side). There is the work of child-rearing, which requires patience, energy, creativity, presence, flexibility, courage, fortitude, knowledge, and the ability to research, learn, and unlearn. You are raising the future. Then there is the work of home and family life, which requires skills in leadership, organisation, prioritisation, delegation, negotiation, financial management, crisis management, and conflict resolution. There is also the internal work of being self-aware, forgiving yourself and others, practicing compassion, and accepting the inherent imperfections of ‘doing it all’.

This work of motherhood is now recognised as ‘unpaid caregiving and domestic work’ and ‘invisible labour’ by international organisations such as the United Nations. It includes physical labour, direct care labour, mental or cognitive labour, and emotional labour, and is mostly the work of women.

I am not complaining. Men have their own unpaid labour. I love being a mother and wife. I view it as a privilege and a blessing. Ideally, the job can also be supported by paid or unpaid help. My point is that the work of women, and specifically mothers, should be recognised and respected, not only by society, but also by women and mothers themselves.

I know it is not just me who has experienced conflicting emotions about ‘giving up’ traditional work to focus on family life. Within my social circle and more widely, mothers describe a loss of self-worth and identity unless they are ‘working mothers’, and feeling embarrassment and guilt when asked the dreaded question, “What do you do?” There is the loss of financial dignity that comes with taking on an unpaid job, no matter how important you may think it is. Dynamics with husbands also need to shift, where both members are viewed as equally valuable to making the business of ‘home’ successful.

Neha Ruch, the author of The Power Pause, is an American brand strategist-turned-full-time stay-at-home mother and home maker, who addresses this very issue. Many of my thoughts for this article are based on her book. She argues that the time a woman wishes to invest in this phase of life, motherhood and family life, is valuable, not just for the children or family unit, but for the mother herself. It is a time for growth, skill-building, and expanding networks and connections.

Often, it leads women in new, creative, and more fulfilling directions, and provides an opportunity for them to re-enter the workforce on their own terms. She also points out that ‘the pause’ is not a luxury for a lucky minority, as many women become the default caregiver for their children if childcare is too costly, or not the preferred option. Through the movement she has created, Ruch provides legitimacy, validation, and structure to this phase of life (because, after all, it is only a phase, not forever) that is often spoken of as mindless, monotonous, and unglamorous, and I am grateful for it.

I suppose what I am saying is, next time you meet a mother, consider asking her, “How are you?”, and next time I am asked what I do, I should proudly declare (using Ruch’s script), “Right now, I am on a career pause and get to be home with my baby, and I am exploring possibilities for the future.”

(Lihini Wijeyaratne Cooray

Lihini is rediscovering her love for writing while embracing first-time motherhood and her ‘Power Pause’. She is also navigating her roles as a doctor and PhD researcher. She hopes that her writing can inspire a fresh perspective on motherhood as being valuable, powerful, and exciting.)

by Lihini Wijeyaratne Cooray

When I finally woke up, sunlight streamed brightly through the window, filling the room with a golden glow. I could hardly believe it—the nap I had taken around four o’clock the previous afternoon had lasted the entire night. In this new country, inside a fresh-scented university dormitory, I was on the threshold of a new life. The past two days felt like a fleeting dream. Just a short while ago, I had stood at the Colombo Airport, bidding farewell to my parents, relatives, and friends.

My journey had taken me first to London on a BOAC flight (British Overseas Airline Corporation, now British Airways). From Heathrow, I boarded an Air Canada flight bound for Toronto. Each leg of the trip had stirred a storm of emotions in my heart—excitement for the unknown, but also the ache of separation.

Even after such long sleep, fatigue still clung to me. Perhaps this was what people meant by “jet lag.” The sudden ring of the phone interrupted my thoughts. I picked up the receiver, and to my delight, a familiar Sri Lankan voice greeted me. Relief washed over me instantly.

It was Sivasunderam—Siva—pursuing a postgraduate degree at the University of Toronto. He had heard of my arrival through the university’s International Student Center.

“Have you had dinner?” he asked.

“No, I kept sleeping,” I admitted.

“I’ll come by in half an hour and take you out,” he promised.

“Dinner? Isn’t it morning?” I asked, bewildered.

He laughed. “No, it’s almost 8 p.m.”

I glanced at my wristwatch. He was right. It was still the day I had arrived in Canada—I had already adjusted the time at the Toronto airport.

“Then why is it so bright outside?” I wondered aloud.

“That’s Canadian summer,” Siva chuckled. “Wait until winter—then it will be dark before you’ve even finished your dinner. Didn’t you learn about the Earth’s tilted rotation and the seasons back in school?” he teased.

I had never met Siva in person before, yet from the warmth in his voice, he already felt like an old friend.

New Encounters

Siva arrived at my room in “New Hall” of the University of Toronto, where I was staying temporarily until my room at St. George College became available. He had brought along his friend Surjeet, an Indian Sikh. Both of them lived at St. George, a residence for postgraduate students.

Surjeet was tall, striking, and carried himself with quiet authority. Unlike some Sikhs, he did not wear a turban, though a stainless steel bracelet gleamed on his right wrist. He owned a Volkswagen Beetle, but since his department was within walking distance of the dormitory—and parking was expensive—he usually left it parked at St. Gorge College and walked to the department.

As we walked together, Siva turned to me with a mischievous smile. “Have you ever eaten pizza?”

“What’s that?” I asked honestly. It was 1973, and I had just arrived from Sri Lanka.

“Then you’ve eaten roti?” he pressed. I nodded. “Well, imagine a roti topped with tomato sauce, cheese, onions, green peppers, and slices of meat, baked until golden. That’s pizza.”

At his description, my stomach rumbled. I had eaten very little on the flight and nothing since landing. Until that moment, I hadn’t realized how hungry I was.

We walked to a restaurant called “Pizza Pub.” Its walls were painted green, the tables dressed in red cloths, and oil lamps flickered on each one. The dim light cast a cozy glow over the room. Young couples leaned close, holding hands and whispering, more interested in one another than their food.

“This reminds me of Peradeniya,” I remarked, thinking of my old university back in Sri Lanka. “Perhaps even worse!”

“I never studied at Peradeniya,” Siva replied with a grin. “But here, pizza is everywhere. It’s inexpensive and particularly popular among students. Originally Italian, yes—but what you’ll taste here is an American version. In Italy, pizza is just dough, tomato paste, and cheese. Not nearly as tasty. By the way, have you noticed the colors? Red, white, and green—the same as the Italian flag.”

Surjeet, less talkative but decisive, called the waitress over. “A large pizza with pepperoni, mushrooms, green pepper, onions, and anchovies. And please, bring it quickly—we’re starving.”

The waitress, a Canadian student working part-time, scribbled down the order with a friendly smile. Siva leaned toward me and whispered that many students took up such part-time jobs in restaurants and grocery stores to support their finances.

“I’ll try to bring the pizza right away. What would you like to drink?” she asked Surjeet politely, her tone somewhat warmer than usual.

“Shall we have a beer?” Siva suggested, looking at me.

“No, not for me,” I said quickly.

“You’ve come all this way and won’t even try? Don’t worry—I’ll cover it. You can pay me later,” he teased.

“Three Molson Exports, please,” Siva told the waitress.

When she left Siva, turning to Surjeet, Siva said. “She didn’t even notice us—only gave you a polite smile. Go on, ask for her phone number!”

Surjeet chuckled but, as usual, kept silent.

A taste of unfamiliar food

The pizza arrived, steaming hot, its generous toppings bubbling with melted cheese. The waitress placed it on the cast-iron stand at the center of the table and lit the small oil lamp beneath it, keeping the food warm.

“Shall I bring more beer?” she asked.

“No, just some chili flakes and Parmesan cheese, please,” Siva replied.

Curious, the waitress turned to Surjeet. “And what country are you from?”

Without missing a beat, Siva answered for him. “We’re from Canada, and he’s from Italy,” he said, pointing at Surjeet.

She frowned, unconvinced. “No, I mean originally—where are you really from?”

Siva, grinning mischievously, repeated, “We’re from Canada, and he’s from Italy.” His sarcasm was clear.

“I’m from Sri Lanka,” I finally added softly, breaking the playful charade.

Siva sprinkled the chili flakes and Parmesan generously over the pizza before serving me a slice. The first bite was a revelation—the crisp crust, the spicy tang of chili, the savory richness of the toppings. Though unfamiliar, it was delicious, and my hunger only heightened the taste.

After we finished, Siva asked, “Shall we get some espresso?”

Thinking it was another form of alcohol, I shook my head. “No, I’ve already had enough.”

He laughed. “Espresso isn’t alcohol—it’s strong coffee, served in tiny cups. No milk, but you can add sugar if you like.”

When it arrived, the espresso’s bitterness startled me. Not wanting to offend Siva, I stirred in plenty of sugar and drank it quickly.

After dinner, Siva and Surjeet walked me back to my dorm. Before leaving, they shook my hand firmly. It felt unusual at first, but I would soon learn that this Western handshake was more than just formality—it was a universal gesture of greeting and farewell. In some cultures, I would later discover, men even embraced or kissed one another on the cheek as a sign of friendship. Back in my room, I tried to sleep, but my mind refused to rest. Memories of my past filled the silence.

I had been born and raised in Badulla, a town nestled in the hills of Sri Lanka. My family lived in a remote village nearby—Morahela—where my parents both taught at the local school. Traveling even to Colombo for my high school years had once felt like a great adventure. I remembered my first solo journey vividly: the night train to Colombo from Badulla, traveling using my father’s railway pass.

My schooling had been a journey of its own: from Morahela Public School up to Grade 4, then to St. Bede’s College in Badulla, followed by St. Thomas’ College in the cool, misty hills of Gurutalawa, and finally Ananda College in Colombo. From there I entered the University of Ceylon (now University of Sri Lanka) at Peradeniya, the historic campus in Hantana, nestled near the ancient kingdom of Kandy, and later worked as an engineer at the Arpico Factory of Richard Pieris & Co. Ltd. Each step had felt like climbing to a new peak.

Now, I had crossed oceans—through London and into Toronto, Canada. This was the first time I had ever left my homeland, and the thought carried both pride and melancholy. My mind wandered back to Morahela, where my mother, unbeknownst to me, had transferred ownership of our family home and nearly four acres of surrounding land into my name. Years later, while working overseas, I would renovate that home—adding electricity, running water, modern bathrooms with hot water, even an air-conditioned room, and living quarters for a caretaker. Whenever I returned to Sri Lanka, that house became my retreat.

At the Toronto central bus station, I found myself weighed down with two large suitcases and the carry-on bag. Unsure of the way to the university, I asked the bus driver for help. With fatherly kindness, he advised, “Son, don’t even think of walking with all that luggage. Take a taxi.” He even hailed one for me, sending me safely toward the University of Toronto’s International Student Center.

After completing my final exams at the University of Ceylon, I was not among the lucky few offered posts as Instructor, not to mention Assistant Lecturer. Ironically, I had graduated with first-class honors in engineering and had even won the Dr. Hewavitarane Prize for best overall performance across all departments of Engineering at University.

Undeterred, I secured a position as an Assistant Works Engineer in the private sector. The job came with a fully furnished house rent-free, a generous salary, and two afternoons a week free to teach as a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Moratuwa.

I still remember the day of my job interview. The factory was located in Nawinna, a suburb of Colombo, and I wanted to stay overnight at a nearby guesthouse. When I asked the receptionist of the guesthouse for a room, she looked at me quizzically and asked, “For how many hours?” Only then did I realize the nature of the place. Embarrassed, I clarified that I wanted the room for the entire night.

That night was sleepless—not only because I was nervous about the interview, but also because the room was stifling without air conditioning, mosquitoes swarmed mercilessly, and disturbing noises came through the thin walls. A young woman cried in the next room, while an older man murmured consolations, repeating, “Lovers don’t cry.” The next morning, I glimpsed the pair—the man far too old, and probably as old as her father.

Despite the restless night, I faced my interview bravely and secured the job.

Before leaving Sri Lanka for graduate studies, I had risen to a permanent position of executive engineer in the private sector. Shifting from the authority of that role to the humility of a student’s life in Canada was a difficult adjustment, but a necessary one. This is my story of coming from Sri Lanka to Toronto, Canada.

by Clarence de Silva