Q: What measures has Hayleys Advantis taken to establish its legacy in the logistics sector?

A: Hayleys Advantis’ legacy is its ability to provide end-to-end solutions, which is made possible by talented employees.

We’re a purpose driven organisation that adds value to all stakeholders by investing in cutting-edge facilities and equipment, and continuously striving to be the best in the verticals we represent.

Our speciality lies in achieving excellence in international freight management, integrated logistics, projects and engineering, marine and energy, and aviation. Having employed more than 2,400 staff on a permanent basis, we have also provided additional employment opportunities to over 2,000 external workers.

Hayleys Advantis continuously introduces modern technologies and processes that improve Sri Lanka’s performance in the logistics sector, while expanding to new service areas such as e-commerce and construction.

We have also worked with industry bodies – viz. the Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents (CASA), Sri Lanka Logistics & Freight Forwarders Association (SLFFA) and Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) – to introduce the best industrial practices and national policies that are useful to develop the sector.

The company presently represents 78 business councils locally and internationally, enabling it to make significant contributions to the logistics sector’s growth.

Capacity building plays a vital role in developing the future generation of the sector. To this end, we constantly invest in capacity building efforts by regularly engaging with multiple universities and educational establishments.

Q: In your opinion, what policies and regulations are needed to make the most of the island’s geographic advantage?
A: There is a real need for a national policy to ensure consistency in the sector.

This should include milestones for vital undertakings in the form of building infrastructure – such as port terminals – and addressing digital infrastructure developments to position Sri Lanka as a maritime hub.

Furthermore, regulating fiscal and other support measures would encourage and promote the national merchant fleet’s establishment and expansion.

It would be ideal if commercially oriented policies promoting the national interest were considered to create an investor friendly environment. Improving sentiment regarding the ease of doing business by fast tracking initiatives – for example, the single window and port community system – would be beneficial.

Q: How do you view the pace of adoption of new technologies and innovations in the logistics sector?
A: The pandemic has fast tracked the pace of adoption, given that companies had to operate under restrictive conditions while tackling an increase in online customer demand due to continuous lockdowns and travel restrictions.

Organisations that were prepared with fulfilment and last mile delivery capabilities were able to swiftly respond to the changes. The increased level of influence that SMEs have on the supply chain urged the sector to turnaround smaller quantities at regular intervals.

Additionally, we have witnessed an increase in cross border transactions and automation.

Meanwhile, digitalisation has improved visibility in the supply chain and customer expectations. Accordingly, the expectations of greater service quality, better visibility and faster lead times at lower prices have risen simultaneously.

To this end, organisations had to rapidly adopt new technologies to create value for stakeholders. Internally, we are also working towards implementing a digital road map across all our verticals to add value.

Q: What are the main challenges the sector has to overcome, in your view?
A: The slow pace of embracing technology and digitalisation in the sector is a critical challenge. Industry bodies have made significant progress in working with the authorities to expedite the pace of adoption.

Furthermore, the rapid growth of regional ports is a challenge that we have to face as a country. Sri Lanka needs to develop infrastructure such as deep-water terminals to stay ahead of the regional competition while taking measures to improve the ease of doing business through trade facilitation.

Q: Could you shed light on the latest trends and innovations in the logistics sector?
A: One of the main areas is omni-channel logistics. This facilitates tailor-made networks that meet customer needs such as real-time delivery, fulfilment and reverse logistics by way of seamless technological integration and data sharing, and collaboration among manufacturers, retailers and logistics service providers.

Another area that’s driven by technological advancements is robotics. This has contributed to improvements in productivity and the elimination of human error. Mobile or stationary, robots will take on more roles in the supply chain in the future to assist workers with warehousing, transportation and even last mile delivery activities.

Lastly, blockchain technologies will help remove complexities from global supply chains.

It has the potential to facilitate greater transparency among stakeholders and customers, support the automation of administrative and commercial processes, and improve the supply chain’s visibility.

INTERVIEWEE DETAILS
Ruwan Waidyaratne
Managing Director
COMPANY DETAILS
Telephone:2167000
Email:info@hayleysadvantis.com
Website:www.hayleysadvantis.com