SLFFA announces leadership transition to guide Sri Lanka’s logistics sector

The Sri Lanka Logistics & Freight Forwarders Association (SLFFA) has announced a transition in its leadership with effect from 6 March 2026.

The Association expressed its sincere appreciation to Channa Gunawardena, who has stepped down from the position of Chairman after a period of dedicated service. During his tenure, Gunawardena played an instrumental role in strengthening the Association’s industry engagement and reinforcing SLFFA’s position as a key stakeholder in Sri Lanka’s trade and logistics ecosystem. His leadership was marked by professionalism, commitment, and a clear focus on advancing the interests of the freight forwarding community. 

Following this transition, Andre Fernando, who previously served as Vice Chairman, has assumed the role of Chairman of SLFFA. With an extensive professional career spanning over 3 decades in the logistics and supply chain industry, Fernando brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to the role. His leadership is expected to further strengthen the Association’s efforts in promoting industry development and policy engagement.

Alongside this leadership change, Shavindra Dias, formerly the Treasurer of the Association, has taken up the position of Vice Chairman. Meanwhile, Priyan Seilman, previously serving as an Executive Committee Member, has assumed the responsibilities of Treasurer. These appointments represent a continuation of experienced leadership within SLFFA and reflect the Association’s commitment to stability, institutional continuity, and progressive industry representation. Both Mr Dias and Mr Seilman are industry seniors and bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the association. 

The new leadership team takes office at a time when Sri Lanka’s logistics and freight forwarding sector is navigating a period of transformation. Global supply chains continue to evolve rapidly, driven by geopolitical shifts, digitalization, sustainability imperatives, and the growing importance of regional trade corridors.

For Sri Lanka, whose strategic geographic position along the East–West maritime trade route places it at the heart of global shipping lanes, the role of freight forwarders and logistics service providers has never been more critical. Industry bodies such as SLFFA play a vital role in ensuring that Sri Lanka remains competitive as a regional logistics hub while supporting exporters, importers, and international trade partners.

Under its new leadership, SLFFA is expected to continue advocating for policy reforms, industry modernization, and greater collaboration between the private sector and government stakeholders. Key priorities for the Association are likely to include digital transformation in logistics processes, strengthening trade facilitation mechanisms, enhancing the competitiveness of Colombo as a regional logistics hub, and supporting the development of emerging supply chain solutions and integrated logistics services.

The Association has welcomed the new leadership team and expressed confidence that their collective experience and industry knowledge will further strengthen SLFFA’s role in shaping the future of Sri Lanka’s logistics sector.

Source: Daily mirror