Sri Lanka’s David Pieris Group acquires 50% of Dubai logistic firm
The Morning: The David Pieris Group has acquired 50% ownership in Navire Logistics Services L.L.C, a reputed logistics company based in Dubai and Oman. This strategic move marks a significant milestone in the Group’s journey towards expanding its operations beyond Sri Lanka and positioning itself in the international markets.
In Sri Lanka, the Group’s logistics arm, D P Logistics (Private) Limited (DPL), has already established itself as a comprehensive logistics solutions provider – covering warehousing, transportation, freight forwarding, project logistics, inland distribution and custom house brokering.
DPL currently ranks among the top ten players in warehousing and 3PL operations and holds one of the largest container fleets amongst the logistics companies in the country. Despite operating in a highly fragmented freight forwarding market, DPL continues to capture a growing share, reinforcing its reputation as one of the very few local companies with expertise across all logistics disciplines.
David Pieris Group also acquired in 2022, Pulsar Shipping Agencies (Pvt.) Limited, the shipping arm of Expolanka Holdings PLC to expand its Logistics & Shipping Cluster into ship agency, husbandry services and marine logistics.
DPL has now extended its capabilities to the international stage through its partnership with Navire Logistics Services L.L.C. The company’s expertise in custom house brokering, freight forwarding, cargo consolidation, warehousing, and transport solutions will be integrated into Navire Logistics’ operations, enhancing service quality and efficiency across the Middle East and South Asia.
The investment also extends to operations in Oman through a fully-owned subsidiary, with further expansion plans already underway to establish operations in Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and India.
D P Logistics (Private) Limited Managing Director and CEO Kalum Katipearachchi said: “With more than 60 dedicated employees in the Middle-Eastern region, we are delivering operational excellence across borders – offering practical, seamless solutions to complex supply chain needs of our diverse customers. Our team’s professionalism, passion and commitment to customer satisfaction continue to drive our success as we integrate Sri Lankan logistics expertise with the world.”
Furthemore, Katipearachchi stated: “Integrity and precision are at the heart of everything we do. Whether it’s handling local logistics or global freight forwarding, our teams ensure each operation is managed with meticulous attention to detail and unwavering reliability.”
OSL take:
The strength, resilience and growth of Sri Lanka’s private sector are evident by the overseas expansion programmes undertaken by many local businesses. Like the country’s economy, Sri Lanka’s private sector has also withstood the many internal and external challenges faced through the years and serve as a constant reminder to foreign businesses/investors of the growth and strength of the country’s overall economy. With Sri Lanka working towards becoming a hub in the South Asian region, supported by the country’s geographical positioning in the Indian Ocean, strong trade ties and business conducive environment, the many business/investment opportunities presented by Sri Lanka present many lucrative business ventures for foreign businesses/investors on the lookout for such in the country. Apart from the emerging business/investment opportunities in the country, foreign businesses/investors could also look at setting up bases in Sri Lanka to expand operations in the country and the region using the preferential treatment enjoyed by Sri Lanka with countries in the region. Foreign businesses could also expand operations through partnerships or joint ventures with local businesses.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20260101/Z_1 |