Global Logistics Growth Puts Sri Lanka’s Strategic Position in Focus – A Bigger Role in Global Trade

Sri Lanka’s role in global shipping is drawing attention to opportunities beyond container transhipment. Speaking at the Colombo International Maritime and Logistics Conference 2026, A.P. Moller-Maersk Singapore Managing Director Rene Piil Pedersen noted that Sri Lanka could capture a larger share of the global logistics value chain by developing more value-added services around its ports.

Services such as warehousing, distribution, freight management and supply-chain support will become vital as Sri Lanka develops its logistics network. Companies providing integrated logistics services already operate across several of these areas, connecting different stages of cargo movement and distribution.

Pedersen referred to Singapore, Vietnam and Malaysia as examples of countries that have developed wider logistics ecosystems around their ports. Sri Lanka’s location on major east-west shipping routes provides a strong starting point, while improved infrastructure and supporting services could create more opportunities for regional distribution and supply-chain activity.

Logistics companies such as Advantis operate across multiple areas of the sector, with services covering freight, warehousing, distribution and other supply-chain requirements.