Mr. Andre Fernando Chairman, SLFFA
“It is with great honour and a deep sense of
responsibility that I assume duties as Chairman of the Sri Lanka Logistics and Freight
Forwarders Association (SLFFA). I am deeply grateful for the
confidence and trust placed in me by our membership, and I look forward to
serving the Association and the wider logistics community during this important
phase of growth, change, and opportunity for the industry. I am proud to
emphasize that I came into being a SLFFA official by winning an election for
the post Treasurer 5 years ago which resulted in me being appointed to this
lead position today. I thank all those who supported me during the election
time.
Sri Lanka’s logistics
and freight forwarding sector plays a vital role in facilitating international
trade, enabling supply chain connectivity, and supporting the national economy.
As a country strategically located along some of the world’s busiest maritime
and air trade routes, Sri Lanka possesses significant potential to strengthen
its position as a regional logistics and maritime hub. In order to realize this
potential, it is essential that our industry continues to strengthen its
capabilities, embrace innovation, enhance efficiency, and maintain the highest
professional standards to ensure global competitiveness.
The global logistics and freight forwarding
industry is undergoing a profound transformation driven by digitalization,
technological innovation, and changing customer expectations. Across the world,
logistics service providers are increasingly adopting advanced technologies
such as AI-driven route optimization, real-time cargo visibility, predictive
analytics, and integrated digital logistics platforms that enable seamless
coordination across supply chains. At the same time, the industry is placing
greater emphasis on sustainability, environmentally responsible operations,
multimodal logistics solutions, automation, and customer-centric services that
enhance speed, reliability, and transparency.
In this rapidly evolving global environment, it
is important that Sri Lanka’s logistics sector keeps pace with international
developments while building on the country’s unique geographical advantages.
The ability to integrate technology, invest in infrastructure, develop human
capital, and foster collaboration across industry stakeholders will be key
factors in shaping the future of our sector.
Established in 1981, the Sri Lanka Logistics and Freight
Forwarders Association was founded with the objective of bringing
freight forwarders and logistics service providers in Sri Lanka under one
umbrella, with the vision of institutionalizing and professionalizing the
industry. Over the past four decades, SLFFA has played a pivotal role in
shaping the development of the logistics and freight forwarding sector in the
country.
Today, the Association represents more than 190
leading freight forwarding and logistics companies operating in Sri Lanka. It
also works in close collaboration with several key industry stakeholders and
partner organizations such as the Joint
Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) and the Association of Clearing Forwarding Agents
(ACFA), reflecting the interconnected nature of Sri Lanka’s international trade
ecosystem.
Over the years, SLFFA has earned the recognition
of the Government, regulatory authorities, and the wider trade community as the
apex body representing Sri Lanka’s freight forwarding and logistics industry.
While addressing matters relating to air and sea freight operations remains a
core responsibility, the Association’s role extends far beyond operational
issues.
SLFFA actively advocates for the development of
modern logistics infrastructure, improved air and sea freight facilities, and
policies that enable the efficient movement of goods across borders. The
Association also recognizes the critical importance of developing skilled human
resources within the industry, ensuring that Sri Lanka’s logistics
professionals are equipped with the knowledge, technical expertise, and global
perspective required to compete in an increasingly sophisticated international
environment.
Furthermore, SLFFA has played an important
participatory role in contributing to national policy development. The
Association has been involved in initiatives such as the development of Sri
Lanka’s comprehensive shipping policy and the formulation of the National Civil
Aviation Development Plan. These contributions support the broader national
objective of positioning Sri Lanka as a leading logistics, shipping, and
maritime hub in the region.
As global supply chains become increasingly
interconnected and complex, the role of industry associations such as SLFFA
becomes even more important. By providing a platform for dialogue,
collaboration, and advocacy, the Association helps ensure that the interests of
the logistics sector are represented in national policy discussions while also
promoting best practices and professional standards within the industry.
During my tenure as Chairman, I am committed to
working closely with our members, industry stakeholders, and government
authorities to promote a collaborative environment that supports sustainable
growth, effective policy advocacy, industry development, and professional
excellence. Our focus will remain on strengthening industry engagement,
supporting knowledge sharing, encouraging innovation, and promoting the
adoption of modern technologies that enhance efficiency, transparency, and
resilience across the logistics ecosystem. My larger focus would be to work
closely with SLFFA Cargo Services Limited and have PPP with SLPA and AASL on
required industry infrastructure.
We will also continue to prioritize capacity
building and professional development, recognizing that the future success of
our industry depends on the continuous development of skilled and knowledgeable
professionals who are capable of navigating the rapidly changing global
logistics landscape.
Equally important is the need to foster stronger
partnerships across the broader trade community, including exporters,
importers, shipping lines, airlines, regulatory authorities, and other
logistics stakeholders. By strengthening these partnerships and promoting a
spirit of collaboration, we can collectively contribute to improving the
efficiency, competitiveness, and global reputation of Sri Lanka’s logistics
sector.
I firmly believe that the strength of SLFFA lies
in the unity, professionalism, and commitment of its members. Our Association
has grown and evolved over the years because of the dedication and active
participation of the companies and professionals who make up our membership.
Together, we will continue to uphold the values
of integrity, innovation, professionalism, and service excellence that define
our industry and guide the work of our Association.
As we look ahead, I am confident that by working
collectively and embracing change, we can further strengthen Sri Lanka’s
logistics and freight forwarding sector and contribute meaningfully to the
country’s economic development and global trade connectivity.
I look forward to the continued support and
cooperation of our members, partners, and stakeholders as we work together to
advance the interests of Sri Lanka’s freight forwarding and logistics industry."
