Tania Wettimuny addressing the AGM


Following is the extract of the speech delivered by Tania Polonnowita Wettimuny, Chairperson, Sri Lanka Logistics & Freight Forwarders’ Association at the 34th Annual General Meeting held on 3rd July. Wettimuny was elected uncontested as the first lady Chairperson of SLFFA.

The global logistics industry was estimated to be a whopping US$ 4 trillion + in 2014. This represented 10 percent of the global GDP. The Indian subcontinent logistics represents US$ 200 billion +. 

Given the region’s current economic growth and forecast in the medium-term, our industry can be very positive that the opportunities for us in Sri Lanka is on the brighter side 

 The Indian subcontinent is known as a high growth area for the world’s population with a emerging  middle class population will open up. New markets  and new consumers and more demand for goods and services. I believe that the current  Indian subcontinent supply chain inefficiencies for consumers and manufacturers could be filled by an efficient logistics industry. 


Big gap
In my opinion there is a big gap in terms of human capacity, professionalism and technology in our industry in Sri Lanka and in this part of the world. These are areas I propose that we should give greater focus. 

While we talk about the development of infrastructure, our facilities at the port, airport, air cargo etc should improve , in order to showcase world class, state-of-the-art facility to meet the demand of the international buyer/ customers to attract business to Sri Lanka .

We thank the Finance Minister for initiating the “One window concept’ - The 24 hours customs operation. It’s  understood such an initiative is a difficult task, while we understand it will take some time to reap the benefit. 


 think out of the box
The freight forwarding and the logistics industry in Sri Lanka and the region is still not properly geared to face up global demands. We need to think out of the box as the local economy is relatively small with a 20 million population.  As members of SLFFA, we must focus to be regional players as we have an advantage with our strategic location to provide quality services to the emerging Indian Subcontinent trade, Asia as well as the globe. 

SLFFA should engage in macro level policy discussions with government not on individual or small operational matters, we have to look at a national framework to develop the logistics industry. We have to develop our competitive advantage into a solid business model. We should not be scared of competition but must teach our younger generation and business leaders to be innovative just like in any other competitive industry. 


GDP contribution
Over the coming years we as the logistics industry representatives should target to contribute at least 10 percent to the national GDP as it is now estimated to be around 3 percent. Our efficiency and innovation would help the government’s policy of driving an export-led economic growth for the country. I am confident that we can do this. Hence, let us keep this in mind and be a partner for development of Sri Lanka and to make our aspirations a reality to be the logistics and shipping hub of South Asia. 

After all, many of the successful regional economies have shown that ports, shipping and logistics can bring economic prosperity.