Dart Global Logistics invests $ 10 m, opens Free Zone facility in Katunayake

Dart Global Logistics Group has invested $ 10 million to establish DGL Free Zone Ltd., at the Katunayake Investment Promotion Zone (KIPZ), which commenced operations yesterday, further strengthening the country’s logistics and supply chain infrastructure.

Group Managing Director and Group CEO Jude Wijesundera said: “DGL Free Zone has been designed as a modern, high-capacity logistics and value-addition facility, comprising approximately 135,000 square feet of storage and value-addition space.”

He said the company’s profits had been reinvested in the project.

The facility incorporates a 10-level racking system with a total capacity equivalent to approximately 450 40-foot containers of cargo.

The operation is structured across three chambers, enabling it to accommodate multiple commodity verticals. More than 25 cargo docks support rapid loading and unloading in line with market requirements. In addition to ambient storage, the facility can cater to temperature- and humidity-controlled requirements.

Dedicated value-addition centres on mezzanine floors will support services ranging from labelling and pick-and-pack activities to more complex value-addition operations. Three mezzanine floors are dedicated to value-addition activities and temperature-controlled cargo storage.

Operational visibility is supported by an international Tier 1 warehouse management system and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) scanning technology, providing improved inventory control and real-time visibility of cargo movements.

The facility has been developed at a time when regional supply chains are evolving and demand for flexible logistics solutions is increasing, particularly in specialised segments such as pharmaceuticals, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), and temperature-controlled cargo.

“In addition to our existing customers, this facility has also attracted new clients, which will help us bring additional foreign exchange into the country,” Wijesundera said.

“DGL Free Zone addresses this requirement by providing international-class warehousing infrastructure, consolidation capabilities, and value-addition services within a Free Zone environment,” he said.

Group Chairman Charles Wijesundera said: “The facility has been developed to support international businesses through multi-country consolidation, value-added logistics services, and regional supply-chain solutions.”

DGL Free Zone represents an investment in Sri Lanka’s ambition to strengthen its position as a regional logistics and supply-chain hub.

Jude Wijesundera recalled that the Group commenced operations in 1893 and said its operations had also supported the country during its transformation from a closed economy to an open economy.

“The present Middle Eastern situation, together with increased demand from regional markets, highlights the potential for Sri Lankan Free Zones to play a greater role in regional supply chains,” he said.

Chief Guest, Board of Investment (BOI) Chairman Duminda Hulangamuwa said the Government had identified shipping and logistics as key contributors to taking the country to the next level and raising its economic growth rate to around 7%.

“Initiatives like the opening of the DGL Free Zone will certainly help towards reaching that target,” he said.

Sri Lanka Export Development Board Chairman and Chief Executive Mangala Wijesinghe, Civil Aviation Director General Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, senior representatives from Sri Lanka Customs, the BOI, the banking sector, industry associations, logistics companies, shipping lines, freight forwarders, exporters, importers, customers, and business partners participated in the opening ceremony.

In addition, DGL Group members including Jude Wijesundera, Group Managing Director and Group CEO Subramaniam Mohanadas, Group Deputy Chairman Simon Ho, Group Director and Group COO/Group Director – Global Network Development/Managing Director – India Anton Ananda Raj, and Group Director/Head of Southeast Asia/Managing Director – Bangladesh and Indonesia Dhanesh Kellapatha were present at the event.