Business
Placing SL as a world class logistics hub: the challenges
By Lynn Ockersz
‘Sri Lanka’s proximity to emerging and developing markets and its already developed air and seaports in Colombo and Hambantota gives it a unique opportunity to be the next leading logistics hub in the region, with the potential to overtake Singapore and Dubai, if the cards are played right and the right governance and Ease of Doing Business regulations are handled sensibly, logistics and supply chain specialist Sanjeeva Abeygoonewardena (SA) said.
Abeygoonewardena made the above observation, among several others, while presenting an issues paper on Sept. 18 at a Sri Lanka Innovators’ Forum, functioning under the aegis of the Gamani Corea Foundation, Colombo. The event was chaired by the chairman, Gamani Corea Foundation Dr. Lloyd Fernando and was held at the BMICH. The paper was titled, ‘Shipping & Logistics, the Promising Frontier – Innovation-led Logistics Hub.’
Responses to SA’s paper came from a panel of specialists in logistics and allied disciplines, representing the state and private sectors, with Prof. Amal Kumarage, chairman, Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport, Sri Lanka, functioning as moderator. The rest of the panelists were: Messrs. Rohan Masakorale, Krishantha Fernando, K.D.S. Ruwanchandra, Ports and Shipping Ministry Secretary, and Ted Muttiah.
Some of the recommendations made by SA for the elevation of Sri Lanka as a number one logistics hub were as follows:
Establishment of rail and water networks from the seaport that will enhance and support the strength of Sri Lanka’s local connectivity.
Establishment of an International Maritime Centre, providing services for ship management operations and other value-added activities that will pull liners to Sri Lanka.
Sea-air hub connectivity must be streamlined, enhancing the efficiency of a single customs bonded platform via the single window concept.
More advanced abilities leveraging AI robotics and frontier technology to provide more value-added services at the hubs to support single-window and trade facilitation portals.
Skilled logistics professionals and an educated workforce through a Maritime and Logistics Campus will boost the growth of the local logistics industry.
Governance framework through a Collaborative Council of private-public officials who will act as custodians to carry out the national roadmap as a national logistics and transport services policy.
Invest in a consulting firm that can facilitate a capacity-building programme on improving Ease of Doing Business, Economic Freedom, Logistics Performance Index and Corruption Perception Index across schoolchildren and business councils that will create better awareness for the future.
A point that was emphasized by most panelists and participants in the lively and wide-ranging forum that followed the presentation of the paper was the need for the Sri Lankan polity to think beyond self and short term interests. There is an urgent need to prioritize the future well- being of the country over the gratification of immediate, selfish interests.
Rohan Masakorale, among other things, focused on the problem of bribery and corruption. It is difficult to achieve anything without greasing palms. There is also no leadership worth speaking of in Sri Lanka, he pointed out. These problems need to be eliminated. Local education needs to be upgraded and we need to achieve the standards obtaining in countries such as Singapore. His views found resonance with many in the audience.
Krishantha Fernando drew attention to the fact that local logistics development plans have a short term focus. There is a need to eliminate paper work in this context and to fast track planning processes. The Port Community system is vital he pointed out, among other things. K.D.S. Ruwanchandra pointed to the need for a system change in the logistics development field. In this context, the state agencies are working in a ‘crisis situation’. The proper legal frame work is being evolved by the state to resolve outstanding issues in this connection. Capacity improvements are being prioritized in the logistics field. There are considerable problems in most public spheres that need resolving.
Ted Muttiah stressed, besides other things, that although much has been achieved in the logistics field in the past there is a need to bring them all together, going forward. It was pointed out that port capacity takes years to build.
Dr. Lloyd Fernando questioned as to whether the country has a national plan. Do we have an effective system of governance? However, we need a holistic approach to national development. A prime need in this connection is to evolve a holistic plan within the logistics sector which would in turn be connected to a national plan.
Gigalingua Lanka, a premier German language institute, officially launched in Colombo with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by distinguished guests, including Dr. Felix Neumann, German ambassador to Sri Lanka. This marks a significant milestone for Sri Lankan professionals, especially nurses, looking to expand their careers in Germany’s thriving healthcare sector.
In collaboration with its strategic partner Global Care Solutions (Pvt) Ltd – a renowned company in the foreign recruitment industry – Gigalingua Lanka offers a unique pathway for Sri Lankan nurses and apprentices to master the German language and pursue rewarding career opportunities in Germany.
Dr. Felix Neumann, the Chief Guest at the event, expressed his support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of language education as a bridge to global career prospects. In his speech, Dr. Neumann noted, “German language is not only a means of communication, it is a gateway to global career opportunities.” He commended Gigalingua Lanka for providing valuable opportunities for Sri Lankans and addressing the critical demand for skilled workers, especially in the nursing sector in Germany.
Gigalingua Lanka is the first private institute in Sri Lanka to offer comprehensive German language training up to the B2 level, and conduct TELC exam. The institution also provides language training for apprentices, allowing them to undertake the Apprenticeship Program and contribute to the growing labor market in Germany. The collaboration between Gigalingua Lanka and Global Care Solutions is designed to meet Germany’s growing need for skilled workers, particularly in the healthcare sector.
The event was attended by a number of prominent figures, including Dr. Felix Neumann , Arthur Senanayake (chairman of IWS Holdings), Eran Wickramaratne – former MP, Chandra Schaffter – ( Founder of Janashakthi Insurance ), Dhammika Attygalle (Director Upali Group of Companies and President Automobile Association of Ceylon) Former Wing Commander Buwaneka Abeysuriya (Ex- chairman Janatha Estates Development Board).
Chairman of Global Care Solutions, Thomas Michael Kriwat, who is also chairman of the Mercmarine Group of Companies in Germany, highlighted the significance of the new training center. He said, “We are bringing world-class German occupational language training to Colombo, offering a structured, career-focused pathway for Sri Lankan professionals. By introducing TELC (The European Language Certificates) as an officially certified German language test authority, we are increasing accessibility for students seeking internationally recognized qualifications.”
At the thanksgiving speech, Dr. Rajan Sara, Managing Director of Global Care Solutions and Director of Gigalingua Lanka, outlined the critical need for foreign nurses in Germany. “Germany is facing a significant shortage of nurses, estimated to need an additional 150,000 by 2025. This is exacerbated by an aging population and increasing healthcare demands. Over 47,000 vacancies in the healthcare sector remain unfilled, making it an ideal time for Sri Lankan nurses to seize this opportunity,” Dr. Sara explained. (Gigalingua Lanka)
In keeping with its vision to consistently evolve and address accelerated business growth needs, Brown & Company PLC recently unveiled its new state-of-the-art manufacturing and warehouse facility in Katunayake. Strategically located within minutes of the Bandaranaike International Airport and the nation’s rapidly evolving highway network, the space is positioned to significantly enhance Browns’ logistical capabilities. The hub will enable seamless access to key markets across the island, further solidifying the Company’s principal role in a cross-section of industries.
The inaugural event of the Browns Group Industrial Park was attended by Ishara Nanayakkara, Chairman, Brown & Company PLC and Deputy Chairman, LOLC Holdings PLC and Kapila Jayawardene, Group Managing Director/CEO, LOLC Holdings PLC along with key officials from the Browns and LOLC Group.
Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider, has successfully launched the highly anticipated vivo V50 smartphone, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to bringing 5G technology and pro-level mobile experiences to Sri Lankan customers, with the first customer handover taking place on 27th March 2025.
The vivo V50, designed in collaboration with ZEISS, combines advanced features such as a 50MP ZEISS OIS Main Camera, a powerful Snapdragon® 7 Gen 3 processor, and a stunning 6,000mAh battery, all housed in a sleek, ultra-slim design. Available at an attractive price, the vivo V50 delivers unmatched mobile performance for work, play, and creativity, offering features such as AI-enhanced photography, 4K video recording, and lightning-fast 90W FlashCharge technology. The vivo V50 also boasts a 41° golden curvature for a comfortable grip and a premium, cinematic mobile experience.
Dialog’s partnership with vivo underscores its commitment to bringing the latest in 5G innovation to Sri Lanka, providing customers with access to next-generation mobile experiences and empowering them to capture, create, and connect like never before. The vivo V50 is now available for purchase at Dialog’s Experience Centers and via https://www.dialog.lk/phones/vivo-v50-5g-12gb.
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