DHL Express celebrates 45 years of leadership, innovation, and service excellence in Sri Lanka

• 45 years of connecting Sri Lanka to the world via international logistics

• Working with SMEs to support the country’s economic growth

 DHL Express is marking its 45 years of operations in Sri Lanka, connecting local businesses and communities to global opportunities through its logistics network.

Ken Lee, CEO, Asia Pacific, DHL Express, said, “For 45 years, DHL Sri Lanka has been connecting businesses and communities with the world, driving trade, growth, and opportunity. The anniversary is a celebration of the dedication of our people, customers' trust, and the strength of DHL’s global network. Our purpose of ‘Connecting people, improving lives’ will continue to ensure we enable our employees and customers to thrive. Into the next decade, DHL is committed to investing in Sri Lanka’s future and delivering excellence.”

Dimithri Perera, Country Manager, DHL Express Sri Lanka said, “For more than four decades, we have remained committed to supporting Sri Lanka's progress. The journey demonstrates resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to our customers, employees, and local communities, to create lasting social impact. As we look to the future, we are focused on driving sustainable growth, empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and connecting Sri Lanka to the world.”

DHL Express was established in Sri Lanka in 1980 as the country’s first international logistics provider. It became part of a joint venture partnership with the John Keells Holdings in 1992. The company has remained committed to supporting Sri Lanka's economic growth, facilitating international trade, and empowering businesses – small and large – across various sectors, including apparel and e-commerce.

In 2007, DHL launched its office complex, followed by a gateway facility at Bandaranaike International Airport in 2008, streamlining international shipments and boosting operational efficiency. Customers benefited from Sri Lanka’s pioneering dedicated bonded warehouse, offering 24-hour customs clearance and support, enabling next-day delivery to selected international markets.

The past decade has witnessed significant achievements that have strengthened DHL's market leadership. Over the years, the launch of the Digital Live Advisor in 2021 enhanced customer experience through advanced digital touchpoints. In 2022, DHL Express Sri Lanka introduced a dedicated customs clearance landing page, streamlining import-export processes for customers.

Over the years, DHL has partnered with several industry associations and institutions to provide logistics support and expertise for businesses in various sectors. The company's focus on e-commerce solutions has positioned it as a key enabler for Sri Lanka's digital economy.

Equally, DHL Express Sri Lanka’s journey is firmly anchored in DHL Group’s global Strategy 2030: Accelerate Sustainable Growth, which is built on four pillars: Employer of Choice, Provider of Choice, Investment of Choice, and Green Logistics of Choice. The framework ensures the company delivers operational excellence while advancing sustainability, customer-centricity, and innovation. The launch of the Digital Live Advisor has enhanced customer experience by providing advanced digital touchpoints. Through the launch of MyGTS and the customs clearance landing page, SMEs can navigate key aspects of cross-border shipping – including customs documentation, import regulations, and how to calculate tariffs upfront.  

Demonstrating sustainability and global environmental leadership, DHL Express Sri Lanka launched GoGreen Plus in 2024, offering sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as a key solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the air transport industry. The initiative aligns with DHL Group's broader commitment to climate protection - Mission 2050: reducing emissions to net-zero by 2050, positioning the company as one of the leading logistics companies shaping the future of the industry.

DHL Express has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Industry Development Board and formed a strategic partnership with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce under the GoTrade program, an initiative that aims to help SMEs and micro businesses to conduct international trade. To date, over 350 SMEs in Sri Lanka have participated in GoTrade workshops, where they receive training and knowledge on various topics such as customs, financing, and e-commerce.

DHL Express Sri Lanka’s commitment surpasses business excellence and moves toward meaningful social responsibility through community investment, resulting in social impact. Since 2018, the company has partnered with SOS Children's Villages under the GoTeach pillar, focusing on employability and skills development for young people. Under the GoHelp program, DHL has constantly shown support to Sri Lanka during difficult times, providing rapid assistance in delivering relief supplies and humanitarian aid through its Disaster Response Team. In 2014, DHL also organized a Get Airport Ready for Disasters (GARD) workshop in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), using DHL’s core competency and expertise in aviation and logistics to help airports prepare for worst-case scenarios. In 2016, DHL launched the Women's Network in collaboration with DHL Global Forwarding to promote gender diversity and empowerment within the organization.

DHL Express Sri Lanka's people-first culture and operational excellence have earned consistent recognition throughout the last decade. The company has been certified as a Great Place to Work for 11 consecutive years, most recently in 2025, demonstrating its sustained commitment to employee well-being and organizational culture.

Embarking on the next decade, DHL Express Sri Lanka is committed to innovation, sustainability, and supporting Sri Lanka's integration into the global economy. Investments in technology, sustainable solutions, and people development, DHL will continue to set the standard for international logistics excellence.

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Media Contact:

DHL Express Sri Lanka

E-mail: [email protected]

DHL – The logistics company for the world​

DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With approximately 400,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.

DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of approximately 84.2 billion euros in 2024. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.