DHL Express Sri Lanka celebrates 45 years of excellence

DHL Express proudly marks its 45th anniversary in Sri Lanka. Since entering the market in 1980 as the nation's pioneering international express provider, our journey has been one of continuous growth, innovation, and unwavering commitment to our couriers, customers, and the community.

From humble beginnings, DHL Express has grown into a market leader in Sri Lanka, recognized globally for connecting local businesses to the world. Join us as we look back on 45 years of legacy and service in the heart of the Indian Ocean.

Our journey since 1980

The DHL Express history in Sri Lanka began in 1980, establishing the first international shipping express service in the country and introducing next-day delivery capabilities to key markets like the U.S. and UK.

A significant step in our history occurred in 1992 through a joint venture with John Keells Holdings (JKH), one of Sri Lanka's most respected conglomerates. This partnership significantly strengthened our local operational footprint and service capabilities across the island.

Since then, DHL Express has achieved numerous milestones in the Sri Lanka market, notably including the following:

• 2007: Inauguration of a new state-of-the-art head office facility, enhancing operational efficiency and customer service standards.
• 2008: Opening of a dedicated Gateway facility within the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) cargo city, streamlining import and export processes.
• Industry firsts: Pioneering services like the first dedicated bonded warehouse for express cargo and providing 24-hour customs clearance, setting new benchmarks for speed.
• Continued leadership: Maintaining our position as the market leader today, consistently recognized for service excellence and as one of Sri Lanka’s "Top 20 Best Companies to Work For."

DHL Express’ innovation and market leadership in Sri Lanka and beyond

1. Pioneers in green logistics

DHL Express demonstrated early leadership by introducing carbon-neutral shipping options in Sri Lanka. Today, this commitment continues with expanded services like GoGreen Plus (GGP+), showcasing ongoing innovation in sustainable logistics.

Reducing the environmental impact of international shipping is increasingly important. Sri Lanka, like many nations, has seen an upward trend in consumption-based CO2 emissions over the past few decades1. Offering greener logistics solutions enables businesses to contribute positively, reduce their e-commerce carbon footprint, and meet growing consumer demand for sustainable practices.

DHL Express’ carbon-reduction shipping options include two key services:

• GoGreen Plus (GGP+): Allows customers to actively reduce the carbon emissions associated with their specific shipments through the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). For a small additional fee per shipment, businesses can directly contribute to decarbonizing air freight and receive reports on the CO2e emissions avoided.
• Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): SAF is a biofuel produced from renewable sources like used cooking oil or waste fats. It can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel. By investing in SAF, DHL Express directly lowers the carbon intensity of its air network, benefiting all customers.

2. Certified International Specialists

The DHL Express difference extends beyond technology to its people. Our globally recognized Certified International Specialist (CIS) program ensures our team members possess deep expertise in all aspects of international shipping.

When you partner with DHL Express, you gain access to a growing team of highly trained professionals dedicated to serving customers in Sri Lanka better. Whether you're a growing business looking to ship a local souvenir globally, seeking advice on establishing your e-commerce platform for international sales, or need clarity on potential import duties, our specialists can guide you so you can avoid shipping errors later on.

3. Fleet modernisation

To facilitate more efficient and sustainable logistics services, DHL Express Sri Lanka continually invests in its ground operations. Our collaboration with partners like John Keells Logistics includes significant strides in fleet modernization, ensuring we meet global standards for efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Here’s a look at how we’ve improved our fleet efficiency to connect your shipments better:

• Route optimization technology: Utilizing advanced software to plan the most efficient delivery routes, reducing mileage, fuel consumption, and transit times across Sri Lanka to improve last-mile delivery.
• Fuel-efficient vehicles: Gradually incorporating vehicles with better fuel economy and lower emissions into our local fleet, contributing to greener last-mile delivery.
• Telematics and driver training: Implementing systems with 5G telematics to monitor vehicle performance and driving patterns, enabling targeted training to promote fuel-efficient driving techniques and enhance safety.

4. Technology and customer-first innovations

Complementing our fleet advancements are technology-driven, customer-first innovations designed to provide peace of mind and enhance efficiency throughout the international shipping journey.

Some of these innovations offered by DHL Express include:

• 24/7 shipment monitoring via Quality Control Centre (QCC): Our dedicated QCC teams proactively monitor shipments around the clock, identifying and addressing potential delays or issues often before they impact the customer.
• Multiple pickup options: Offering flexibility beyond standard business hours, including options for scheduling regular pickups or arranging ad-hoc collections to suit varying business needs.
• Comprehensive shipping insurance: Providing straightforward options to insure shipments against loss or damage, giving businesses financial protection and peace of mind when sending valuable goods.
• Flexible delivery options (On-Demand Delivery - ODD): Empowering recipients with choices like rescheduling delivery, authorizing delivery without a signature, or redirecting parcels to a nearby DHL ServicePoint, significantly reducing missed deliveries and enhancing convenience.

Empowering Sri Lankan businesses

Beyond providing world-class logistics, DHL Express actively supports the growth of local businesses in Sri Lanka. Initiatives like the GoTrade programexemplify this commitment.

GoTrade offered valuable advisory support to exporters across key Sri Lankan sectors, including apparel, tea, spices, handicrafts, and ICT services. The initiative helped Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME e-commerce) scale globally by facilitating better access to international shipping tools and e-commerce integrations like MyDHL+ and On-Demand Delivery.

Through these efforts, DHL Express positions itself as more than a service provider—we are a dedicated growth partner for Sri Lankan entrepreneurs and SMEs.

Giving back to communities

Throughout our 45-year legacy in Sri Lanka, DHL Express has remained deeply committed to supporting local communities. Our community initiatives reflect our dedication to making a positive impact beyond business operations.

Let’s take a look at DHL Express’ history in community initiatives:

• GoHelp: Provides disaster relief logistics support and preparedness training. DHL Express Sri Lanka played a role in the response efforts following the 2004 tsunami and continues to work with partners like the UNDP on initiatives like 'Get Airports Ready for Disaster' (GARD) workshops to build local resilience.
• GoTeach: Focuses on improving educational opportunities and employability for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. In Sri Lanka, this includes partnerships with organizations like SOS Children’s Villages to provide mentorship and career guidance.
• GoGreen: Drives environmental protection efforts globally and locally. DHL Express encourages employee volunteering for environmental projects, such as tree planting drives and coastal cleanups in Sri Lanka, alongside our broader strategy for sustainable logistics.
• Global Volunteer Day: An annual DHL Express initiative where employees worldwide dedicate their time to local causes. Teams in Sri Lanka regularly engage in activities supporting children’s homes, organizing donation drives, and participating in various community upliftment projects.

Looking ahead: the next 45 years

As DHL Express Sri Lanka celebrates this significant milestone, our focus remains firmly on the future. Guided by DHL Group’s Strategy 2030: “Accelerate Sustainable Growth”, we are committed to strengthening our position as the logistics provider of choice for individuals, SMEs, and large corporations across the island nation. 

Looking ahead, DHL Express will continue focusing on the following as part of our future strategy in Sri Lanka:

• Expanding digital solutions: We will enhance our online platforms like MyDHL+ with greater functionality, explore AI-driven innovations for improved efficiency, and broaden API integrations to seamlessly connect with more e-commerce platforms used by Sri Lankan businesses.
• Supporting Sri Lankan businesses in accessing global markets: Continuing to empower MSMEs by simplifying customs processes, providing market insights, and tailoring international shipping services to help local entrepreneurs reach customers worldwide.
• Driving green logistics: In line with DHL Group’s ambitious sustainability targets, we will expand our GoGreen Plus service offerings in Sri Lanka, further invest in electrifying our local delivery fleet, and promote sustainable packaging solutions to help businesses reduce their environmental impact.
• Fostering sustainable, inclusive growth: Guided by our divisional and group-wide growth initiatives, we will continue to strengthen our core business while exploring new opportunities in high-growth sectors such as e-commerce, life sciences, and new energy.

Our dedication to customer-centric innovation and community responsibility will continue to guide our path forward, ensuring we grow alongside Sri Lanka.

Thank you to our customers and employees

The remarkable 45-year history of DHL Express in Sri Lanka would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication of our employees and the continued trust of our valued customers. We celebrate our collective achievements built on innovation, resilience, and shared growth.

Together, we’ve connected Sri Lanka to the world for 45 years — and the journey continues.

Thank you for being part of the DHL Express legacy. As we celebrate this anniversary milestone, we look forward to shaping the future of logistics in Sri Lanka together. Open a DHL Express business account and let us handle your international shipping needs, so you can focus on growing your business globally.