Beyond Boundaries: Aitken Spence Logistics Transforming Sri Lanka’s Logistics Landscape

100,000 sqft container freight station 

New electric forklifts deployed for the container freight station operations

As Sri Lanka celebrates National Logistics Day on August 16, Aitken Spence Logistics, a fully integrated subsidiary of Aitken Spence PLC, reflects on its enduring role in shaping the country’s logistics landscape. With over four decades of experience and a strong reputation built on trust, innovation, and operational excellence, the company continues to lead the way in delivering strategic value to both the Sri Lankan economy and the global supply chain.

This continued impact is largely driven by Aitken Spence Logistics’ strong partnerships with global shipping lines. These collaborations have helped strengthen Sri Lanka’s position as a trusted logistics hub in the region, ensuring smooth trade connectivity and supporting key industries such as apparel, manufacturing, and exports. By delivering services that meet international standards, the company has raised the overall quality of logistics in the country and contributed to enhancing Sri Lanka’s competitiveness in global trade.

Its contribution goes far beyond commercial success. Aitken Spence Logistics has continuously invested in infrastructure, technology and talent, elements that are vital for building a modern logistics ecosystem. From pioneering multimodal connectivity to creating employment and enabling faster movement of goods, the company has remained a key player in strengthening the national economy through efficient, future-ready logistics solutions.

This commitment to national relevance was further demonstrated through the company’s role in delivering the Ship-in-a-Box maritime simulator for the Sri Lanka Coast Guard. Designed and constructed by Aitken Spence Logistics, the simulator is a purpose-built training facility created from repurposed shipping containers, offering a realistic environment for VBSS (Visit, Board, Search and Seizure) operations. The project highlights how logistics expertise can extend beyond commercial supply chains to support national security and public service initiatives.

Recognised at the National Logistics Awards 2024 with five prestigious wins, Aitken Spence Logistics continues to set benchmarks for service excellence, sustainability, and innovation. These achievements reflect the company’s long-standing ethos of delivering value through smart logistics and its ongoing drive to raise industry standards.

The company is also taking a leading role in promoting sustainability and inclusion. Through initiatives such as electric-powered equipment deployment and solar-powered mobile storage yards, it is actively reducing environmental impact. In addition, the Pink Warehouse initiative, adapted from global best practices and introduced locally to empower female forklift drivers and supervisors, reflects Aitken Spence Logistics’ commitment to building a more inclusive and progressive logistics workforce. 

“Our focus has always been on creating logistics solutions that serve a greater purpose,” said Janaka Gunawardena, CEO of Aitken Spence Logistics. “Whether it is driving greener supply chains, embracing digital transformation, or the adoption of the Pink Warehouse initiative inspired by global best practices, we are committed to leading with intention. We see logistics not just as a service but as a responsibility to our clients, our country, and our people.”

As global supply chains are reshaped by sustainability goals, digital transformation and the demand for resilience, Aitken Spence Logistics is already aligning with these shifts. 

On this National Logistics Day, the company reaffirms its commitment to moving the country forward through innovation, responsibility and long-standing partnerships that deliver impact far beyond the warehouse gate.

A member of the blue-chip conglomerate Aitken Spence, Aitken Spence Logistics is a pioneering provider of integrated logistics solutions in Sri Lanka. With over forty years of experience, the company offers end-to-end supply chain management solutions, including container freight stations, warehousing, 3PL, inland container terminals, container repair services, transportation, distribution, mobile storage solutions, and project cargo logistics. Serving a distinguished clientele that includes international shipping lines, freight forwarders, multinational corporations, and other local and international businesses, Aitken Spence Logistics continues to drive innovation in the logistics sector.