APS Logistics: Playing a key role in sustainable economic reform and rebuilding Sri Lanka’s story

In Sri Lanka, one of the busiest trans-shipment hubs in the world, logistics companies do more than just transport goods from one place to another. As one of the key pillars of the island’s economy, the logistics industry plays a pivotal role in the lives of many Sri Lankans, such as making sure that there is a seamless supply chain for essential items and providing high value employment across the industry. 

APS Logistics International Ltd., one of the leading logistics companies in Sri Lanka, is at the forefront of helping to drive the future of the industry, and in turn, playing a key role in re-building Sri Lanka’s economy. The company, which provides integrated logistics solutions, has climbed to the top ranks amongst the industry within a very short period of time, owing largely due to the spectrum of services offered. Its key verticals include apparel, industrial, F&B, agricultural, IT equipment and household consumer goods. Along with its strategic business partners, the company has successfully created a niche for itself as a specialist in serving global apparel brands.

As a homegrown company, based on a US investment, APS Logistics is committed to re-wiring the Sri Lankan economy and safeguarding the nation’s economic interests along with advocating for the logistics industry in Sri Lanka. It is a role that the company is dedicated to and actively contributing towards in several ways.

Connecting Sri Lanka to Asia and beyond

As an industry leader, APS Logistics is also committed to promoting Sri Lanka as a global trans-shipment hub and an attractive destination to conduct business. The company actively seeks out international brands with little or no presence in the island or the Asian region and encourages the setting up of distribution centres locally. Some of these global brands are currently experiencing immense benefits of making Sri Lanka an integral part of their operation. 

Sri Lanka provides an ideal home base for companies to set up, owing to its geolocation, status as a regional trading hub, connectivity, good infrastructure including the Ports of Colombo and Hambantota, qualified and experienced professionals and FTA’s in place. 

Since 2019, APS Logistics has embarked on several digitalisation initiatives, including implementing semi-automated operations to increase operational efficiency and developing software to improve workflows. The need for digitalisation was exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic and forced the company to increase its IT resources and the workforce to sharpen its IT skills, creating a sustainable and long term path to digital transformation. 

“Technology will play a key role moving forward, particularly as Sri Lanka embarks on its quest to be on par with regional competition. Our organisations have to be agile and adapt very quickly to the changing world around us and only the use of new and improved technology will enable us to do so,” says APS Logistics Managing Director Lalith Rohitha. 

Building a people-first workplace for the future

APS Logistics is in the business of managing supply chains and transporting goods, but the logistic firm recognises that it is human capital that matters the most. Since the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent fuel crisis in the country, APS has recognised the need to improve work-life balance and inculcate a positive culture at work. Additionally, the company is actively working on incorporating more technology to its operations so that employees can benefit from working remotely in any type of extraneous circumstance in the future. 

In addition to its experienced and diligent team, APS Logistics’ competitive edge includes APS owned and contracted warehouse facilities, guaranteed space with major ocean and air carriers, competitive pricing for regular and premium services, project cargo handling capacity for global clients, C-TPAT compliant CFS warehouse facilities and real time visibility of all shipments.

The company remains committed to leading the industry into the future by being a next generation distribution partner distinguished by innovative products and solution. In order to do this, the logistics firm relies on its great people, infrastructure assets, and the ability to harness the potential of technology.

APS Logistics is an active member of key business councils affiliated to the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, the European Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (ECCSL), AMCHAM, and Sri Lanka Logistics and Freight Forwarders Association (SLFFA).