GAC Group successfully holds contract logistics conference in Colombo

Asia-Pacific is leading the global contract logistics market overtaking Europe. The growth in this region is attributed to the rising retail enactment, strong economic growth, and increase in disposable income in the region. Contract logistics involve the control of the complete comprehensive process, from production to distribution at the final point of sale. Syncing these dynamics, the GAC Group Contract Logistics Conference was hosted by GAC Sri Lanka at the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel on 20 and 21 May. 

The Conference acted as a platform to discuss GAC Group’s future endeavours and the business strategy for GAC’s contract logistics business. It initiated thought provoking discussions, in depth evaluations of the future of logistics which further paved way to cement global relationships across the group. The conference was attended by foreign and local delegates including; Lars Bergstrom, GAC Group Vice President – Asia Pacific and Indian Subcontinent, Shehara Jayawardana, Jt. Managing Director – McLarens Group of Companies, Mahesh Kurukulasuriya, Chief Commercial Officer – McLarens Group of Companies, Ravi Edirisinghe, CEO and Director – GAC Sri Lanka and members from the GAC group senior management including Stuart Bowie, Ronnie Knowles and Daniel Nordberg. 

The representation included participants from GAC Singapore, Dubai, Thailand, Malaysia, Qatar and Indonesia. The two days involved strategy brainstorming sessions, presentations and a visit to Spectra Integrated Logistics Facility. GAC Sri Lanka, a subsidiary of the McLarens Group of Companies, is known for its comprehensive range of professional shipping, marine and logistics services that cater to vessels at all four ports in the country. GAC Logistics Sri Lanka and Hemas Transportation operates a container yard with a capacity of 6,000 TEUs amalgamated with a distribution centre with over 20,000 pallet positions at their joint integrated logistics facility in the Muthurajawela Industrial Zone, Wattala. 

The facility branded as Spectra Logistics is currently one of Sri Lanka’s biggest integrated logistics providers offering end-to-end logistics services to clients. With a network of over 300 GAC offices worldwide, GAC is one of those few global companies offering the entire array of logistics services under a single umbrella covering; contract logistics, freight services, land transportation, project logistics, supply chain management and international moving. Despite the recent tragic events that occurred within the country, it is noteworthy to appreciate the delegates from GAC world to participate in this scheduled event in Sri Lanka, supporting our efforts in promoting Sri Lanka as a safe location to promote global logistics and services. The country has regained its confidence and has returned to normalcy.  McLarens Group of Companies Jt. Managing Director Shehara Jayawardana commented, “It was indeed a privilege to have the opportunity to host a conference of this nature during these difficult times faced by our country. I am indeed grateful to the delegates who came down to participate and share their knowledge and expertise. It sends a very clear message to investors that Sri Lanka still is and will always be a country with immense potential and opportunity in the global logistics industry.”

Commenting on the conference, Cinnamon Lakeside General Manager Rohan Fernandopulle stated, “Despite the recent setback which trembled the country causing cancellations and postponing of events, GAC Sri Lanka decided to proceed with their event as planned. My sincere thanks go out to GAC group of companies for placing their trust in Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo and in Sri Lanka. It gives me immense pleasure that the conference was a great success, especially considering the positive feedback received from the organisers and participants representing six foreign countries. We anticipate that more such events would help build confidence in the travel and tourism industry.”

As a leading player in the local logistics industry, GAC Sri Lanka would continuously strive to uphold the logistics business opportunities available for Sri Lanka despite challenging macro environmental conditions in the country.