Sri Lanka Logistics & Freight Forwarders Association condemns dubious award schemes

Monday, 8 September 2025 02:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Sri Lanka Logistics & Freight Forwarders Association (SLFFA) has taken serious note of the increasing circulation of unsolicited emails and flyers targeting Sri Lanka’s logistics community — particularly SLFFA members — by little-known overseas entities claiming to host “awards ceremonies.”

These so-called awards demand payments ranging from $ 500-1,000 per participant, effectively selling recognition to anyone willing to pay. This practice exposes the commercial exploitation and lack of credibility behind such schemes, and SLFFA asserts that immediate and decisive action is required to put an end to this malpractice.

SLFFA categorically states that these events carry no endorsement from any recognised Sri Lankan association, trade body, Government authority, chartered institute, or academic institution. Endorsement from such institutions is the minimum benchmark for any credible awards program in the country. Evidence indicates that these organisers operate entirely from overseas — primarily India — with no legitimate ties to Sri Lanka’s logistics sector. Copies of these misleading communications received by SLFFA member companies have been documented for reference.

By contrast, the National Logistics Awards (NLA) by SLFFA, launched in 2022 and held again in 2024 at the Shangri-La Colombo, stands as Sri Lanka’s only authentic and industry-backed recognition platform. Endorsed by leading trade bodies and Government authorities, the NLA is built on transparency, fairness, and a rigorous evaluation process. Since its establishment in 1981, SLFFA has upheld the highest standards of professionalism and continues to recognise genuine industry excellence through a process that charges only a nominal fee — clearly distinguishing it from the profit-driven, pay-to-win tactics of these external operators.

SLFFA unequivocally rejects the attempts of these unknown foreign entities to exploit Sri Lanka’s logistics trade under the guise of awards. The Association has formally called on the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation, as well as the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, to intervene decisively and prevent these fraudulent and deceptive events from taking root in Sri Lanka.

SLFFA calls on all stakeholders to remain vigilant and united in protecting the reputation and credibility of Sri Lanka’s logistics industry, which must not be undermined by fake awards which are sold to anyone that pays.