WiLAT

The Chartered
Institute of Logistics
and Transport
THE
WiLAT
S R I L A N K A
Women in Logistics and Transport
ISSUE 02 – JAN 2017
Message From Chairperson - PG 02 | Editor’s Note – PG 03 | Industry News – PG 04 - 06
Global News – PG 07 | CSR - PG 08 – 09 | Key Events – PG 10 - 19
Tea & Talk – PG 20 - 22 | Sisterhood Corner – PG 23
Future Events - PG 24 - 27 | Merchandise & Membership Details – PG 28
Cartoon Corner – PG 29 | Contact Us – PG 30
Women in Logistics and Transport - Sri Lanka - Quarterly Newsletter

WiLAT
Sri Lanka
The WiLAT SL | Quarterly Newsletter | Volume 02 – Jan 2017
Message from the
Chairperson
Firstly let me wish all our members a happy and a productive
2017.
It is great to pen this message with the second edition of the
newsletter. In the past few months WiLAT had been very active
in executing many activities in our event calendar. As you may
know, the first newsletter was launched at the global convention
in Montreal and it was well received.
Some of the notable initiatives that we conducted such as field
visit to JKLL, CPD talk by Jayanthi K, the first Sri Lankan to
conquer the Mount Everest and the WiLAT Walk. This year our
flagship Ignite event was organised with a difference with a
panel discussion followed by induction of new mentees. We also
took a lead role in organising the CILT international conference
last year.
My visit to Nigeria to deliver the key note speech on mentoring
and to support their launch of mentoring program was a
rewarding experience. It was heartening to note that WiLAT was
featured for the first time in the ADB’s Gender equality
diagnostic of selected sectors under transport.
All in all it was an eventful period for WiLAT and I am thankful to
our dynamic ExCo for making this happen. Thank you for your
support last year and brace your selves for another fruitful year
with WiLAT.
Gayani de Alwis , CMILT
gdealwis@ymail.com
Opportunity
Mentorship
W
EMP
Leadership
Responsibility
Equal Pay Fairness
MEN
WERMENT
Inspire
Mutual Respect
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Sri Lanka
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Team Behind
The WiLAT SL | Quarterly Newsletter | Volume 02 – Jan 2017
The Newsletter
Editor’s Note
I hope you had a happy and restful holiday season and that
you’ve started off 2017 on a brand new slate with new hopes
and aspirations!
Looking back, I’m overwhelmed with the response we received for
our first News Letter. It has indeed been a privilege to have had the
opportunity to launch the first one. We have had a very busy 2016
with back to back events and aligning our overall vision and
objective.
This newsletter gives you highlights of our events held in 2016 with
some other interesting articles lined up. A big shout out to my
Editorial Team for all the hard work in launching the 2 nd one.
I hope you will find this interesting.
Best regards and happy reading,
Amra Zareer, MILT
amra@exporail.lk
Editorial Team
Ruchithra Yogananda, MILT
Design and Layout
Editorial Assistance
Gayara Jayasuriya,
Student Member
Editorial Assistance
Manjaree Nigamuni,
Student Member
Editorial Assistance
Yashoda Nirupamala,
Student Member
Editorial Assistance
Shakkya Perera,
Student Member
Editorial Assistance
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Sri Lanka
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The WiLAT SL | Quarterly Newsletter | Volume 02 – Jan 2017
Industry News
Hanjin
Shippings’
Crisis
is Causing a
Trailer Shortage
in the
Supply
Chains
Hanjin Shipping Co., the eighth largest cargo container carrier (by
total capacity) in the world, filed for bankruptcy in South Korea and
the United States (Chapter 15), stranding nearly 80 ships with
almost 500,000 containers offshore. The company plans to file for
bankruptcy protection in up to 43 jurisdictions to protect its cargo.
Overcapacity in the shipping industry, along with slowing global
trade, is resulting in historically low shipping rates and putting
extreme pressure on the shipping industry. With seasonal
inventory in limbo, retailers will be forced to re-evaluate their import
strategy, including high-cost options, such as airfreight, to mitigate
potential supply chain interruptions.
According to Joe Dunlap, CBRE managing director of supply chain
services, "The financial failure of Hanjin Shipping is a shock to
global commerce and logistics, but it isn't a complete surprise
given mounting overcapacity in global shipping and subsequently
depressed container rates. While the eventual removal of some or
all of Hanjin from the equation might benefit other carriers, it has
left retailers and other importers facing starkly higher costs and
service impacts as they scramble to find various other methods to
transport or replace their goods, such as airfreight." While this may
affect the real estate needs of a small number of retailers and
distributors that are highly dependent on Hanjin, the overall effect
on industrial and retail real estate is likely to be negligible unless
this issue spreads to more shipping companies.
South Korea's Hanjin Shipping Co., the eighth largest cargo
container carrier in the world, filed for bankruptcy protection August
30. Almost immediately, this caused major upheaval in global
freight shipments as ports around the world refused to handle
cargo from Hanjin ships over concerns about the shipper’s ability to
pay docking fees. At the time of the bankruptcy filing, Hanjin had
approximately 80 ships at sea with at least 500,000 containers on
board. In a scene reminiscent of the labor slowdown at U.S. West
Coast ports in early 2015, dozens of ships with billions of dollars of
cargo are anchored in international waters, sending retailers into a
panic over how long their cargo will be delayed and their supply
chains disrupted. Hanjin is trying to steer its ships to Singapore,
Hamburg and Busan—key transshipment hubs across the globe—
in order to minimize disruptions to the supply chain.
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Sri Lanka
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The WiLAT SL | Quarterly Newsletter | Volume 02 – Jan 2017
Overcapacity in the shipping industry is a looming concern as shippers are introducing larger post-Panamax
ships to their fleets. In 2015, more than 200 ships were added, accounting for an expansion of 1.6 million 20-
foot-equivalent unit (TEUs) containers. This was the largest expansion since 2008, when more than 400 ships
and 1.5 million TEUs were added. As container capacity grew, global shipping demand slowed. In the first half
of 2016, global container throughput grew only 1.2 percent over the previous year, while in the U.S., loaded
inbound container volume grew 3.6 percent year-over-year—well below the robust 7 percent growth rate in
2015. This slump in demand, coupled with rising capacity, inevitably led to a decline in the cost that shippers
can charge to move a container. The China Containerized Freight Index, a measure of the average cost to ship
containers from China to ports around the world, fell to its all-time low in April. While it rebounded slightly, the
September 2 index price of 694 is down 15 percent year-over-year and 40 percent over the past two years. In
the immediate aftermath of the bankruptcy, the price to ship a TEU from China to the U.S. West Coast rose
from $1,100 per container to $1,700. Given the excess capacity in the shipping industry, this rise in price is
expected to taper off in the next 30 to 45 days as rival shippers absorb the Hanjin capacity.
Impact to the automotive industry – With critical supplier-dense regions throughout the world, the automotive
supply chain is the best example of a truly international and interconnected supply chain. Rising prices amidst
Hanjin’s bankruptcy can cause strains to material and part-level suppliers that are key to the successful
production and delivery of an automobile.
Impact to life sciences – Constrained shipping opportunities can affect the ability of key material suppliers to
deliver in a timely fashion. Unavailability of resources may force suppliers to launch their business continuity
plan to brace themselves from severe economic impact
Impact to high - tech sector – According to the WSJ, freight brokers in Asia state that more than 540,000
containers are expected to face delivery delays from a few days to a few months. Asia being a prime source for
high tech parts, production and manufacturing operations can be affected by widespread delivery delays.
The Ripple Effect - Impact on Supply Chain –
Hanjin’s bankruptcy put seasonal inventory in limbo and has forced suppliers to begin re-evaluating import
strategies-- including high-cost options like airfreight -- to mitigate potential supply chain interruptions. The
indirect impact can also affect Tier-2 suppliers facing overcapacity issue due to amassing inventory. Industry
experts suggest any claims to Hanjin could take up to 10 years to be settled. If Hanjin is liquidated, the
economy of numerous creditors will be affected as a substantial part of creditors’ claims won’t be recovered.
On a global level, a growing need for expedited transportation solutions has risen in the supply chain to avoid
sourcing issues that could hamper supplier health
• Review or create contingency plans to address your organization’s specific concerns
• Leverage supply chain mapping and analytics solutions to find out which of your suppliers are involved or
potentially impacted by the bankruptcy. By opening communication channels, your company can identify
how suppliers are monitoring financial risk scores proactively
• Keep alternative sources for parts/components/chemicals handy to ensure that sourcing issues do not halt
the production. Having multiple suppliers at the outset covers the immediate risks created in case of
sourcing disruption at one end
• Invest in understanding and analyzing other
operational, socio-political, natural or
regulatory forces that may affect the suppliers’
capability to deliver
• Create a robust supply chain adaptation and a
flexible risk management opportunity by opting
for solutions that can map suppliers on
multiple levels, create supply chain visibility
and shape your business for proactive actions
in such cases
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Sri Lanka Page 5

The WiLAT SL | Quarterly Newsletter | Volume 02 – Jan 2017
Amazon
has Entered the
Industry News
Trillion
Dollar
Ocean
Freight
Business
Amazon doesn’t want to have to rely on ( and pay) third party
delivery companies. It has already taken control of lorries and planes
and now it’s taking control of ships, the wall street journal reports.
Specifically, the Seattle – headquartered ecommerce giant has
started handling the shipment of goods from Chinese retailers that
selling its platform to its vast US warehouses. Previously it left this to
global freight- transportation companies.
Since October, amazon has helped to ship some 150 containers of goods from china to the US, according to
the wall street journal, which cites shipping documents collected at ports of entry. Shipping is a trillion dollar
industry, according to MIT technology review. While amazon doesn’t actually own any ships its self, it has
started reserving space on ocean vessels and acting as a global freight operator and logistic organizer. Other
freight operators include FedEx and UPS.
Zvi Schreiber, CEO and founder of Logistics Platform Freightos , said in a statement: “ logistics companies
have been eyeing amazon suspiciously for years, yesterday their fears were confirmed, with the revelation that
amazon has been quietly arranging china to US ocean shipments. “ Amazons deep pockets means the trillion
dollar freight industry is now coming up against the very same disruptors that changed the name of the game
for retailers, manufacturers and computer storage”
Last august, Amazon unveiled its first branded cargo plane, one of 40 jetliners that will make up the company’s
own air transportation network. Amazon also has its own fleet of branded delivery trucks and it is testing
delivery drones in a field just out side Cambridge. Amazon shipped over a billion items over the 2016 holiday
season alone, according to CNET.
This month, Amazon started posting rates for new services such as sorting, labeling, and trucking shipments
that traditionally are handled by global freight companies. The services and rates were posted under the name
of its Chinese subsidiary, Beijing Century Joyo Courier Service Co., with Distribution-Publications Inc., a widely
used platform for such information.
Source:
http://www.supplychain247.com/article/amazon_enters_trillion_dollar_ocean_freight_business/seko_logistics?ajs_uid=4680
G0274356G3Y
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Sri Lanka
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The WiLAT SL | Quarterly Newsletter | Volume 02 – Jan 2017
Global News Room
CILT International Convention 2016 In Montreal
Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) held their International convention in Montreal from 8th to
11th May in Fairmont Queen Elizabeth hotel in Montreal Canada in the presence of over 250 foreign delegates
from 24 of its member countries. The theme of the convention was “Linking North America to the world”. Capt
Lasitha Cumarathunga, Chairman CILT and Gayani de Alwis Chairperson Women in Logistics and Transport
(WiLAT) represented Sri Lanka at this year’s convention in Montreal.
CILT SL Chairman Capt Lasitha Cumaratunga and WiLAT SL
Chairperson, Gayani de Alwis with CILT International
President, Paul Brooks at the global convention
Gayani de Alwis speaking on global
WiLAT report and way forward at the
main CILT convention
WiLAT Nigeria Conference 2016
The 4th Women in Logistics and Transport (WILAT) Nigeria 2016 conference and awards night, was held on
Thursday, 28th July 2016 at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki. Lagos. The theme of the conference was mentoring: The
irreplaceable ladder to sustainable development.
Our very own Gayani De Alwis, the Chairperson of WILAT Sri Lanka was the Key Note Speaker. Gayani
enlightened the participants through a presentation on mentoring, with specific emphasis on the WiLAT
mentoring program titled “Ignite” in Srilanka.
Pictures taken at the WiLAT Nigeria Conference 2016
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Sri Lanka
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The WiLAT SL | Quarterly Newsletter | Volume 02 – Jan 2017
CSR
EARTH HOUR 2017
WiLAT Sri Lanka having partnered with Earth Hour Sri Lanka last year urges the CILT community to join hands
to Shine a Light on Climate action as the whole world unites together to symbolically mark Earth Hour on March
25, 2017 in your own little way to help #ChangeClimateChange and light the way towards a climate-friendly
future.
Protecting the planet starts with individuals like YOU and I. As citizens of our one shared home, it is OUR
individual and collective responsibility to protect it. Here’s how you can do your part;
Just three little things you can do every day to help change climate change. Because together, it’s possible!
1. Welcome your new personal mantra: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
2. Buy #Sustainable (Because Green is the New Cool
They say the best way to reduce waste is to not produce any at all.
Waste, and how we deal with it affects our environment in many
different ways.
Incorporating the three ‘R’s - Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling - into
your lifestyle can help lower the amount of waste produced, and hence
lower the need for space-gorging landfills. Practicing the three ‘R’s can
also help our Earth shift towards a Zero Waste environment that allows
us to conserve our precious resources, reduce consumption, and that
ever-growing carbon footprint.
What you can do:
• Use what you have: going shopping? Drop the plastics, and bring
along your own recyclable bag!
• Outgrown that pair of jeans? Don’t throw – donate.
• Or, get creative: repurpose your old jeans into new projects – the
possibilities are endless!
Put your money where Earth is, and opt for environmentally-friendly
products whenever possible! Switch over to a sustainable lifestyle by
investing in the things you need, not want, and consuming products that
are local, sustainable and help make a difference. Together, we can
demand to make our demand for everyday items greener, and cleaner
for our collective home.
What you can do:
• Buy environmentally-friendly products
• Invest in products that are sustainable and locally produced.
• Go thrift shopping!
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Sri Lanka
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The WiLAT SL | Quarterly Newsletter | Volume 02 – Jan 2017
3. Saving energy: small steps, BIG results!
Our reliance on non-renewable sources of energy to power our
homes and tech gadgets is not sustainable – these sources of
energy cannot be replaced; once depleted, they're gone for
good. Furthermore, the burning of fossil fuels is one of the
leading causes of climate change, increasingly putting our
environment, wildlife, and people at risk. That’s why it’s
important for us to step up to do what we can before it’s too late.
It might not seem like much, but if all of Earth’s citizens took little
steps to save energy, it’d translate to tremendous results, and a
happier, healthier Earth!
What you can do:
• Unplug electronic devices when they’re not in use.
• Don’t forget to TURN OFF your switch!
• Install energy-efficient light bulbs such as LED or Compact
Fluorescent bulbs
And last but not least, show your commitment to the planet by participating in Earth Hour on Saturday 25
March 2017 at 8:30 p.m. local time.
Remember - our actions today will define our tomorrow.
Unlock your power as an individual and join the Earth Hour movement today! You can visit the Earth Hour Sri
Lanka official website www.earthhour.lk or the Face Book Fan page (Earth Hour Sri Lanka) for updates on
Earth Hour 2017.
Together, we can help change climate change and build a better, brighter future for our collective home
Earth Hour is a global campaign launched by the World Wild Life Fund (WWF) to inspire governments,
businesses, communities and individuals to take a stand against climate change. It is the largest environment
campaign in the history of our planet, successfully uniting the world towards taking collective action by
switching off non-essential lights for one hour in celebration of our planet.
WiLAT Chairperson handing over a plant to CEO of SAGT, Erwin Haas. At the WiLAT SL Walk 2016
themed on “Striking a Balance for a Greener Tomorrow”
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Sri Lanka Page 9

Key Events Unfold
Reach Your Peak
The WiLAT SL | Quarterly Newsletter | Volume 02 – Jan 2017
by Jayanthi Kuru-utumpala
WiLAT SL organised the motivational event “Reach Your Peak”, in commemoration of the women who
shatter the so called stereotypes and empower women around the globe every day. 21st May 2016 is
one such milestone for both Jayanthi and all the women, as Jayanthi becomes not only the first Sri
Lankan, but the first Asian to summit great Everest.
The event took place at the Victorian Hall of The
Kingsbury on 29th August evening. Jayanthi moved the
audience of undergraduates, young professionals, and
expertise Logisticians with her story in reaching the
Everest peak. Her speech continued quite elaborately,
with pictures to illustrate her journey throughout. How
herself and her traveling partner Johann trained their
physics to adopt the hurdles of a long freezing
mountains with low oxygen concentration. Her speech
was not only focused on the great dedication and
consistent courage towards her goal, but frequent
analysis on the risks and gravity it held towards her life
and Johann’s and their future. It was a walk on thin ice
requiring immense adaptation, even to satisfy their
basic needs.
Jayanthi speaking on how they used ice in
making of a basic wall for a toilet
In her speech Jayanthi quotes, “When I think of transport and logistics, I always think of men working
with huge containers and ships, because most of us don’t expect women to work in such a sector. We
each have our own Mount Everest to climb and I realised that some of the things that Johann and I
learned through this expedition, such as a positive mindset and being determined to achieve specific
goals, can also be applied in the corporate sector as well”.
This was a great opportunity to be inspired as a
woman, as a person and as a logistician, that the
hardships we face each day is a challenge we
should face with positive attitude and determination.
Her story was truly a much needed wakeup call to
everyone in the audience.
Jayanthi addressing the questions from the
audience – Q&A Session
View of the Audience
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Sri Lanka Page 10

The WiLAT SL | Quarterly Newsletter | Volume 02 – Jan 2017
Reach your Peak
“Climbing is not just a performance,
expect the unexpected and plan”. A lesson for Logisticians.
Guest Speaker
Jayanthi Kuru - Utumpala
First Sri Lankan to Summit Mount Everest
Organised by
Women in Logistics & Transport
Sri Lanka
For Reservations Contact Maryse
077 757 9798 | admin@ciltsl.com
Entrance :
CILT Members – Rs.1000/=
WiLAT Friends – Rs.1500/=
Non Members – Rs. 2000/=
*Refreshments will be served at 5.00 p.m.
The Chartered
Institute of Logistics
and Transport
Women In Logistics
and Transport
Sri Lanka
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Sri Lanka Page 11

Key Events Unfold
The WiLAT SL | Quarterly Newsletter | Volume 02 – Jan 2017
“Striking a Balance for a Greener
Tomorrow” WiLAT SL Walk 2016
WiLAT SL organised the second successive
walk on 24th September under the theme
“Striking a Balance for a Greener Tomorrow”.
This was held in partnership with Earth Hour
Sri Lanka which inspires and mobilizes people
around the world to use their power to change
climate change and cultivate preeminent
practices to reduce out carbon footprint in our
day to day activities. The theme was lead to
make an impact on reducing the carbon
footprint in the industries and promote green
practices.
The WiLAT SL Chair Gayani de Alwis,
welcomed the gathering of more than 500
participants from universities, corporate
entities and professional bodies such as
Young Shipping Professionals (YSP) of
Ceylon Association of Ships Agents CASA).
The 5km walk began from the independence
square with plans to gather at
Viharamahadevi Park.
University of Moratuwa
CINEC Campus
The walk was an eye candy to the pedestrians as for the ongoing floating competition. Universities had
built props and models with echo friendly material promoting the walk theme. University of Moratuwa
emerged as champions whilst Kothalawala Defense University (KDU) came in second. The chief of the
judging panel and the International Vice President of CILT awarded the winners with gift vouchers.
Winner of the best decorated bicycle was awarded to Expolanka Freight (EFL). EFL joined hands with
CILT as an exclusive strategic partner for WiLAT with a cash donation of 1million rupees. Inter Coir
sponsored plants and eco-friendly ornaments among the judges and special invitees. The president of
the YSP of CASA presented a plant to the chairperson of WiLAT to symbolise the occasion. The
participants were well entertained by the papare music band and refreshments on the way.
KDU
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Sri Lanka Page 12

The WiLAT SL | Quarterly Newsletter | Volume 02 – Jan 2017
Participants
Participants
The Papare music with KDU students
The student participants
WiLAT ExCo with participants
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Sri Lanka Page 13

Key Events Unfold
The WiLAT SL | Quarterly Newsletter | Volume 02 – Jan 2017
IGNITE 3
“Mentoring Matters – Beyond and More”
WiLAT SL celebrated the second anniversary of its flagship event, Ignite mentoring program on 28th
November 2016 at Kingsbury hotel.
WiLAT SL Chairperson Gayani de Alwis explained in her welcoming address the purpose of Ignite,
which is to mentor young females who are entering the transport and logistics field in Sri Lanka, create
awareness, develop networking and support their professional development. Being a male-dominated
industry, transport and logistics in Sri Lanka is heavily under-represented by women. Through Ignite,
WiLAT hopes to empower and reduce the industry-wide gender imbalance, in line with its Mission and
has been adopted as a strategic priority. She also said that mentoring is a two way process; “what you
get is what you put in”.
Chief Human Resource Officer of Hatton National Bank, Chiranthi Cooray was the keynote speaker of
the event..
Ms. Chiranthi Cooray
Highlights from the keynote speech
• In the 2012 academic year, of the total 27,529 students
admitted to universities in Sri Lanka, 62.2% were women
• The percentage of women students ranged from 80.2%
in arts courses, to 82.4% in law
• Females represent 50%–70% in architecture/quantity
surveying, science, management, medicine, dental
surgery, veterinary science, agriculture, paramedical
studies, commerce to 48.7% in computer science
• To 46% in fashion design/transport and logistics
management
• And to 20% in engineering, the lowest rate of
participation
She stated that a women needs a lot of support to climb the corporate ladder as there exits emotional
barriers. Therefore she should take ownership of her professional carrier and change, and trust for
change should begin within her. She also said that mentoring is very essential for a women to shape her
carrier and it is a fruitful and joyful rewarding experience for both mentor and mentee. Ms. Cooray is also
the immediate past President of the Association of Human Resource Professionals, Sri Lanka.
EFL Strategic Partnership – CEO of EFL Mr. Jagath
Parithrana with WiLATSL Chair
Panel Discussion
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Sri Lanka Page 14

The WiLAT SL | Quarterly Newsletter | Volume 02 – Jan 2017
The key note speech was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Kumar de Silva with three eminent
speakers who broadened the horizon of mentoring, beyond and more in the evening.
The panel consisted of, Ms. Shea Wickramasingha the Group Managing Director of CBL Group, Mr. Dusty
Alahakoon, the Managing Director - Asia Pacific Brewery Lanka Ltd and Ms. Kasturi Wilson, Managing Director
of Hemas Pharmaceuticals and Hemas Logistics and Maritime Sector of Hemas Holdings PLC.
The panel expressed their view on mentoring for the questions raised by the moderator. They said that
mentoring is a lifelong experience which is an ongoing process. Mentoring is not about teaching, it’s about
showing the path and facilitate learning, sharing the experience of women who have broken the glass ceiling.
Mentor mentee relationship should focus on capability development and mapping the career path.
The speakers of the evening emphasized the importance of a mentoring program for young females in the
industry and appreciated the efforts of WiLAT SL for launching the mentoring program Ignite. In fact, WiLAT SL
mentoring program has been adopted as a model because of its continued success.
A mentee lightning the Oil Lamp
Scintillate – The first Sri
Lankan female acapella group
performing at Ignite 3
The Participants
Shakkya Perere – mentee –
sharing her experience
The mentors and mentees
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Sri Lanka Page 15

Key Events Unfold
The WiLAT SL | Quarterly Newsletter | Volume 02 – Jan 2017
JKLL Field visit
WiLAT organized a visit to JKLL warehouse in Peliyagoda on 5th August. 35 members took part in the
visit
Breakfast meeting with WiLAT Global Advisor Dr Dorothy Chan
WiLAT ExCo had a breakfast meeting with WiLAT Global Advisor and Past International President
CILT Dr Dorothy Chan at Colombo Swimming Club on 20 th September.
WiLAT takes part in Colombo International Maritime Conference
(CIMC) 2016
WiLAT was well represented
at the CIMC which was held
from 21st to 23rd September
2016 with WiLAT Chairperson
Gayani de Alwis and Vice
Chairperson Dhashma
Karunaratne being part of the
organizing committee. WiLAT
Global Advisor Dr Dorothy
Chan was one of the key note
speakers while WiLAT Chair
Gayani de Alwis moderated
the final session on shipping
beyond ships
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Sri Lanka Page 16

Key Events Unfold
The WiLAT SL | Quarterly Newsletter | Volume 02 – Jan 2017
WiLAT represents LBR LBO Infrastructure Summit 2016
WiLAT Global Advisor, Dr Dorothy Chan, WiLAT Regional Coordinator Namali Siyambapitiya and
CILT Past Chairman Prof Amal Kumarage and leading local and international transport personnel
took part in the Transport panel of the LBR LBO infrastructure summit 2016 on 20th September
2016. WiLAT Chairperson Gayani de Alwis moderated the session
WiLAT at the Colombo Supply Chain Forum 2016
WiLAT Chairperson Gayani de Alwis
and CILT International Vice
President Romesh David were
speakers at the Colombo Supply
Chain Forum (CSCF) on 5 th October
at Cinnamon Lakeside
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Sri Lanka Page 17

Key Events Unfold
The WiLAT SL | Quarterly Newsletter | Volume 02 – Jan 2017
WiLAT supports in CILT's LS de Silva memorial lecture
WiLAT Chairperson moderated the Q&A for the LS de Silva memorial lecture which was conducted
by CILT and the speaker was Dr Dimantha de Silva of Department of Civil Engineering University of
Moratuwa. WiLAT Exco member Maithree Attanayaka did the welcome address
WiLAT Chairperson motivates Sri Lankan female rugby team
WiLAT Chairperson was invited to speak to the Sri Lankan female rugby team at the invitation of
SAGT prior to their departure to the Hong kong rugby sevens.
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Sri Lanka Page 18

Key Events Unfold
The WiLAT SL | Quarterly Newsletter | Volume 02 – Jan 2017
WiLAT at CILT International Conference 2016
WiLAT and YPF took an active role in organsing
the CILT international conference which was held
on 9th November at the Kingsbury hotel. WiLAT
Chairperson was the CILT international conference
organizing committee Chairperson.
WiLAT at Young Professional Challenge (YPC) 2016
WiLAT Chairperson Gayani de Alwis was the Chief
Judge of the Young Professional Challenge (YPC)
of YPF which was held on 3rd December 2016 at
the Centre for Banking Studies Central Bank
Auditorium. Team from Univeristy of Moratuwa
were the winners.
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Sri Lanka Page 19

The WiLAT SL | Quarterly Newsletter | Volume 02 – Jan 2017
TEA
& TALK
with
Anoma Ranasinghe
Anoma Ranasinghe is a prominent figure in the current maritime
industry having had the ability to strive for her goals and create the
future she envisioned. She was able to recently enter into the books
of history by being the first female Chairperson of the Institute of
Chartered Ship Brokers (ICS). Setting the footpath to many
youngsters this inspirational personality talks about her experiences
and shares her wisdom.
Q- What made you get into this field? Specially Shipping & Logistics?
What inspired you?
A- I had my primary education at Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo. Frankly
speaking my ambition was to become a Corporate Secretary and therefore
on completion of the examination conducted by the Institute of Chartered
Secretaries & Administrators (UK), I was looking out for employment
opportunities, which was rare to come by as this job role at that time was
not available in most of the organizations.
At this stage Ceylon Shipping Lines, agents for American President Lines (APL) advertised for the position of
“Documentation Supervisor” and required qualification was either CIMA part qualified or ICSA fully qualified.
This attracted me, since it suited my qualifications. So it was purely by coincidence that I joined the shipping
industry.
Q- It is a great prestige to become the first ever female president of ICS (UK) Sri Lanka branch. What do you
feel about your achievement?
A- I feel very proud of my achievement as it is not an appointment. I was elected as the Chair of the branch.
The ICS is fundamentally dedicated to promote professionalism in the international maritime industry through
shipping education and training. Its worldwide acceptance affirm the ‘Institute’ as the only professional body
that sets the highest standards
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Sri Lanka
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The WiLAT SL | Quarterly Newsletter | Volume 02 – Jan 2017
of professional service to the shipping industry and the world over, through the provision of an internationally
recognized education program. Therefore chairing a branch that has been in existence for almost 30 years with
a membership over 150 countries, it is very challenging as the expectations are very high. Feel that I have
both the passion & the commitment in taking the branch forward.
Q- What is your opinion about the current shipping industry & the future of the Industry?
A- Shipping Industry is the key to the smooth running of the global economy. With about 50,000 merchant ships
trading across the seas, the shipping industry is responsible "for the carriage of around 90 percent of world
trade". Currently shipping industry is experiencing a down turn, especially by the poor performance of container
shipping, which carries about 95 percent of the world’s manufactured or partly manufactured goods. This
situation could be seen as the overcapacity as well as continuing losses faced by the mega carriers. It is
imminent that we would be hearing more & more mergers and acquisitions. With plenty of new deliveries in the
pipeline freight rates will further reduce drastically and therefore mergers & consolidations would be the solution
in cutting costs.
Future of the container shipping industry is uncertain. It is predicted that by 2020 there will be only eight big
carriers and this has gradually begun to unfold.
The dry bulk market is no better than the container shipping market. For many years the dry bulk market was
dependent on the importation of Iron ore & coal by China. Pattern has changed; supply has exceeded the
demand, lowering the freight rates. Layup & scrapping of vessels would be the future decision.
Rapid growth of tanker fleet; whereas the demand not grown at the same pace has a negative impact on the
tanker rates as well.
Q- How do you strike a balance between work, housework and other responsibilities?
A- It is never easy being a mother trying to juggle a full time job with the family life. When my son was just few
months old I had to travel overseas for training. Luckily I had a good rhythm that worked for me and my family
.Therefore I was able to build a good team support at home. I am now able to work on planned priorities and
goals, get organized and find the right balance between profession and parenthood. Being a full time working
mother can lead to feelings of guilt and stress because of the divided attention between work and family. By
following this path I ensured that both my career and family would benefit. This helped me to a great extent to
complete my shipping exams, travel overseas for many education & training programs, get involved in other
activities as well as engage in my passion teaching.
Q- Why do you think there is little women involvement in this industry?
A- Shipping is one of those very few industries which has the lowest number of women workforce. It could be
due to the traditional mind set of the “male dominated” industry or the lack of awareness. In my opinion basically
it is lack of awareness. Unlike other career options; careers in the maritime industry are not very well known to
many young women. Students generally opt for main stream careers such as medicine, engineering,
accountancy, IT etc. This is because they have little knowledge or are not aware of the prosperous careers that
they can make in the maritime field. In addition schools hardly take initiative to facilitate discussions about the
various career options available in this sector.
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The WiLAT SL | Quarterly Newsletter | Volume 02 – Jan 2017
Q- What should be changed to evolve from this traditional thinking?
A- One would think that it is impossible to break in to a male dominated industry. I believe women have the
natural ability to be strong leaders’ .Therefore, maintaining a strong mindset and remaining persistent and less
thinking about the gender would assist.
Q- What role and involvement do you have in the CILT and the WiLAT and how have you contributed to the
society through these organizations“?
A- Being a Chartered member of CILT and having served the executive committee of CILT Sri Lanka for
almost over 15 years I was involved in arranging International seminars, providing membership services to the
members of the branch as well as mentoring young aspiring students planning to step in to the Logistics &
Transport sector. Being involved in a professional association is a win-win situation for individuals because
while you are networking with professionals you have the opportunity to learn more about your career field. As a
professional ; for the society I am happy
A- to say that I have understood that credibility & trustworthiness are essential and therefore ensure
others too understand what is considered best practice and what is accepted in the industry is vital.
My involvement with WiLAT as one of the Vice Chairs is because I am a strong believer of “Women supporting
women“. Gender imbalance in the Transport & Logistics sector is not new. Women are seen as the unseen
gender. So therefore in WiLAT our main aim is to close the gender inequality by introducing Mentoring
programs , improving networking forums & professional development programs, so that the young women
professionals will have the necessary skills and are aware of the opportunities that exist in the Transport &
Logistics sector.
Q- What message do you have to give the youngsters in this industry?
A- Shipping is a 24/7 job. It is very demanding and involves extended work hours but of course rewarded with
high pay and many benefits. Therefore any youngster planning to join the shipping industry needs to conduct an
honest self-evaluation and decide on their aspirations, tolerances, preferences, and of course the needs for
professional and social growth in life. You need to ascertain whether you are looking for a career that will build
your self-confidence and offer you opportunities for rapid advancement. Am I prepared to accept a sea based
position, which will be away from home and family? Or prefer a shore based position which is fast paced,
intensive and always busy. These decisions; although critical and are very important when deciding to take up
shipping as their career path. Strive to do what you love the most, and don’t give up until you climb to the top, is
my advice.
“Strive to do what you love the most, and don’t give up
until you climb to the top”
- Anoma Vijayanthi Ranasinghe -
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The WiLAT SL | Quarterly Newsletter | Volume 02 – Jan 2017
Sisterhood Corner
In celebration of our sisters
Gayani de Alwis , CMILT
WiLAT Chairperson, Gayani de Alwis
was awarded the “Distinguished Mentor
and Role Model Award” at the WiLAT
Nigeria Day Annual Awards Ceremony
She was also appointed to the task
force to develop a policy to increase
women workforce participation in public
and private sector by the National Human
Resources Development Council of Sri
Lanka (NHRDC) under the Ministry of
National Policies and Economic Affairs.
Priyangani Jayasundara , CMILT
WiLAT General Secretary, Priyangani
Jayasundara received her Doctorate
from Global University of lifelong
learning (GUL) USA.
Anoma Ranasinghe , CMILT
WiLAT Vice Chairperson Anoma Ranasinghe was
elected as the Chairperson of Institute of Chartered
Shipbrokers (ICS). She is the first woman to be
appointed to this position.
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Sri Lanka Page 23

Future Events
The WiLAT SL | Quarterly Newsletter | Volume 02 – Jan 2017
Mentoring Session
Interview Facing Techniques
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Sri Lanka Page 24

Future Events
The WiLAT SL | Quarterly Newsletter | Volume 02 – Jan 2017
Field Visit
Visit to Hayleys Advantis Free Zone
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Sri Lanka Page 25

Future Events
The WiLAT SL | Quarterly Newsletter | Volume 02 – Jan 2017
Field Visit
Joint visit to SAGT & SLPA
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Sri Lanka Page 26

Future Events
The WiLAT SL | Quarterly Newsletter | Volume 02 – Jan 2017
International Women’s Day
8th March 2017
WiLAT SL 4 th Anniversary
21st March 2017
WiLAT SL AGM
07th April 2017
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Sri Lanka Page 27

WiLAT SL
Merchandise
WiLAT SL
Membership Details
The WiLAT SL | Quarterly Newsletter | Volume 02 – Jan 2017
Own your WiLAT SL T-shirt, Cap and Pin
Today!
*Both T-shirt and cap can be purchased at
600 LKR when a bulk purchase is made
over 5 T-shirts and 5 Caps
*These merchandise can be purchased by
WiLAT members and WiLAT friends
ONLY.
In order to join our network and to
purchase these merchandise, contact
WiLAT T-shirt: 500 LKR
WiLAT Cap: 200 LKR
WiLAT Pin: 300 LKR
Ms. Maryse de Costa
The CILT Secretariat,
450, D. R. Wijewardana Mawatha,
Colombo 10.
T: 077 7579 798
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Sri Lanka Page 28

The WiLAT SL | Quarterly Newsletter | Volume 02 – Jan 2017
Cartoon Corner
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Sri Lanka Page 29

Connect With US On
The WiLAT SL | Quarterly Newsletter | Volume 02 – Jan 2017
Contact Us
CILT SL Secretariat:
Ms. Maryse De Costa
Secretary/ Coordinator
1 st Floor, The National Chamber of Commerce of
Sri Lanka,
P. O. Box 1375,
No. 450, D. R. Wijewardena Mawatha,
Colombo 10,
Sri Lanka.
Mobile: +94 77 7579 798
Tel: +94 11 5657 357
E-mail: admin@ciltsl.com
Website: www.ciltsl.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilat-sri-lanka
http://www.ciltsl.com/wilat/
https://www.facebook.com/WiLAT-SL-Womenin-Logistics-and-Transport
@WiLAT SL
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Sri Lanka
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