Ruwan Waidyaratne, Managing Director of the Advantis Group, the transportation and logistics arm of Hayleys PLC, talks about its 360-degree end-to-end logistics solutions and how they benefit clients and give Advantis the edge in a competitive and complex world constantly buffeted by rapid tech innovations, supply chain disruptions, and fluctuating markets.
“Our integrated approach ensures clients receive comprehensive transportation and logistics services tailored to their needs. By combining cutting-edge technology, industry expertise, and a deep understanding of each client’s specific requirements, we can provide end-to-end solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and drive performance.” Waidyaratne said.
What truly sets Advantis apart is the ability for clients to customize their supply chains by combining services from our five operational clusters: Freight Management, Integrated Logistics, Marine & Energy, Projects & Engineering, and Travel & Aviation. This creates a seamless, one-stop-shop experience, enabling businesses to streamline their operations, irradicating the need to deal with multiple providers.
By managing logistics needs comprehensively, Advantis allows its clients to focus entirely on their core business activities. Knowing their supply chain is in expert hands gives them the peace of mind and operational freedom to pursue their growth and innovation goals without distraction. “This combination of flexibility, expertise, and reliability makes our solutions distinctive in the industry,” Waidyaratne asserts.
How does Advantis Group ensure its end-to-end solutions remain adaptable to meet diverse client needs across different sectors and countries?
Our extensive regional presence is a value we deliver to our clients. Operating in markets such as Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, we leverage this footprint to offer logistics solutions tailored to the unique needs of diverse industries and geographies, allowing us to seamlessly address a broad spectrum of logistics challenges across the region.
At Advantis, our client-focused approach lies at the heart of everything we do. We are deeply committed to ensuring our customers experience seamless and efficient solutions that keep their operations running smoothly, regardless of the challenges from geopolitical tensions to fluctuating fuel prices, global supply chain bottlenecks, or environmental disruptions. Our proactive adaptability ensures uninterrupted operations and continued client satisfaction.
The agility of our teams is an asset. It allows us to respond swiftly and effectively to the dynamic demands of the market and our clients, ensuring we stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry. Strategic collaborations with industry leaders and regulatory bodies further enhance our ability to anticipate trends and implement innovative logistics solutions.
Finally, our focus on scalable and future-proof systems ensures our clients can navigate current challenges and be well-positioned to capitalize on future opportunities. This combination of regional strength, adaptability, and forward-thinking strategies sets Advantis apart as a trusted logistics partner.
Advantis Group has recently received several prestigious awards and recognitions. How do these accolades reflect the commitment to excellence?
Several of our subsidiaries garnered prestigious accolades at events such as the National Logistics Awards by the Sri Lanka Logistics & Freight Forwarders Association, the SAFA BPA Awards, and the National Convention on Quality and Productivity Awards. Very recently, at the Colombo International Maritime & Logistics Conference 2024, we were recognized as Sri Lanka’s most Diversified Logistics Conglomerate.
These achievements highlight the quality and reliability of our services, affirming our commitment to excellence in logistics and transportation and reinforcing our leadership position in the regional and global logistics landscape. They inspire confidence amongst clients and partners. It strengthens our reputation as a trusted provider of innovative, end-to-end solutions and motivates us to continue setting and maintaining the highest standards in the industry.
Can you share some of the key ESG initiatives of the Advantis Group and their impact?
We aim to lead by example, embedding sustainability into our core and inspiring industry-wide action towards a more responsible future.
The launch of HELIOS, the Group ESG strategy, marks a pivotal step in embedding sustainability across our operations. Centred on seven pillars -Energy, Emissions, Biodiversity, Employee and Community Engagement, Safety, and Governance – it outlines a comprehensive strategy for meaningful change. A key goal is to cut absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030, achieved through renewable energy, alternative fuels, and low-carbon transport solutions. HELIOS is more than a framework; it emphasises our commitment to aligning growth with environmental stewardship.
Another highlight is Advantis Blue C, the blue carbon initiative of Advantis. The objective of this project revolves around mangrove regeneration, replenishment and conservation. We support ecosystem restoration and community development by providing technical expertise, establishing research facilities, and involving our teams. This initiative regenerates habitats, creates jobs, and sustains livelihoods, delivering measurable environmental and social benefits.
How does Advantis Group plan to stay ahead of emerging trends, and drive expansion as the logistics industry evolves?
On the technology front, we are committed to adopting cutting-edge innovations like AI, automation, and data analytics to optimize our supply chains and improve operational efficiency, supported by a digital roadmap that guides our progress and ensures alignment with future goals. These technologies enable us to make smarter decisions and deliver an enhanced customer experience, ensuring we stay ahead in a dynamic industry.
In addition to leveraging technology, we have embedded sustainability into our operations as a core priority. Guided by our ESG strategy, we have established a clear roadmap with defined milestones, supported by a dedicated team driving these initiatives. From reducing our carbon footprint to implementing eco-friendly logistics solutions, our commitment to sustainability aligns with global goals and creates long-term value for clients, partners, and communities alike.
As we continue to innovate and adopt sustainable practices, expansion remains a key pillar of our long-term growth strategy. We are dedicated to strengthening our presence in Asia, a region with immense potential, while actively seeking opportunities to enter new and emerging markets beyond Asia. By fostering innovation, building strategic partnerships, and tailoring our offerings to meet local needs, we aim to drive success and remain at the forefront of the logistics industry, both now and in the future.