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Supply Chain Operational Excellence, Procurement, Logistics, Shipping

Location:
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Salary:
LKR 700000.00
Posted:
July 15, 2025

Contact this candidate

Resume:

+94-777-******

****************@*****.***

***/*/*/*, ************** road,

Pahala Bomiriya, Kaduwela, 10640,

Sri Lanka

Sampath Duminda Wathawana

Vithanage

Results-oriented Senior Manager with proven leadership experience across Supply Chain, Procurement, Logistics, and Shipping. Armed with strong educational foundations in supply chain management and a track record of operational excellence. I specialize in driving efficiency, cost optimization, and end-to-end process improvements. Known for strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement, and data- driven decision- making. Adept at leading cross-functional teams and aligning procurement and logistics strategies with business goals to deliver measurable results.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Procurement Manager - Int'l Freight & Logistics

Michelin Lanka (Pvt) Ltd

Jul 2023 - Jul 2025

2 Year - Fixed Term Contract

Spearheaded the design and successful implementation of a streamlined procurement process and system for import freight and logistics services, aligning operations with Michelin’s global procurement policies and compliance frameworks while mitigating potential operational and financial risks.

Negotiated and executed service agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with recurring logistics vendors, based on defined scopes and contract values, in close collaboration with the Legal Department to ensure compliance and value optimization.

Managed end-to-end procurement for external consultancy services, corporate training solutions, and employee health insurance — ensuring supplier reliability, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with corporate standards.

Oversaw daily purchase order (PO) and payment approval workflows for all logistics-related services, acting as the key control point to streamline financial and operational efficiency across the supply chain.

Group Head of Imports

Analytical Instruments (Pvt) Ltd

Aug 2014 - Mar 2020

Directed supply chain functions including Group Procurement, Customer Order Management, Freight and Customs Clearance, Inventory Control, and Regulatory Compliance. This ensured smooth order fulfillment and timely delivery across business units.

Led the redesign of the import process to improve compliance, shorten lead times, and enhance efficiency for cross-border activities.

Championed the successful rollout of the Microsoft Dynamics ERP system. This included setting up and managing vendor master data and item master records to ensure data accuracy and automate procurement.

Oversaw inventory planning and replenishment strategies. This involved maintaining optimal stock levels and defining reorder points to meet service level targets and manage working capital. Established and tracked logistics KPIs across the group, such as On-Time Delivery (OTD), Total Order Fulfillment, Procurement Savings, and Purchase Price Variance. This drove ongoing improvement and cost efficiency.

Specialized in the HS classification of high-tech and complex equipment. Engaged with Sri Lanka Customs to resolve HS code disputes and ensure compliance with regulations. Manager - Supply Chain & Logisitcs

Vatura Ceylon (Pvt) Ltd

Feb 2013 - Aug 2014

Served as a senior founding member of a newly established fruit beverage export venture, driving the end-to-end design and implementation of core supply chain, sourcing, inbound, and outbound logistics policies from the ground up.

Led the registration and operationalization of the Temporary Import for Export Processing (TIEP) scheme to enable cost-effective importation of capital goods and raw materials under CapEx.

Developed and maintained strong working relationships with key regulatory and institutional stakeholders — including the Inland Revenue Department (IRD), Sri Lanka Customs, Export Development Board (EDB), Coconut Research Institute (CRI), Consumer Affairs Authority (CCB), and the Chamber of Commerce.

Oversaw the full supply chain of fresh fruit sourcing — including managing field officers, coordinating seasonal supply strategies, and ensuring consistent quality and traceability.

Successfully obtained and maintained international organic certifications to support global market entry and export readiness.

Collaborated with investors on operational planning and factory setup, aligning infrastructure and production capabilities with commercial strategy and export targets. Asst. Procurement Manager

Macksons Paints Lanka Pvt Ltd

Jun 2010 - Jan 2013

Collaborated cross-functionally with Production, R&D, Factory, and Finance Managers to forecast, plan, and budget raw material requirements aligned with production cycles and business goals.

Managed the full sourcing and procurement lifecycle — including importation, regulatory licensing, and customs clearance — ensuring uninterrupted supply of critical materials under compliance frameworks.

Coordinated with banks to open Letters of Credit (LCs) and executed timely supplier payments, maintaining strong supplier relationships and cash flow efficiency.

Acted as the central liaison with shipping lines, freight forwarders, bankers, insurance providers, and border control agencies to ensure smooth, timely, and cost-effective inbound logistics.

Continuously optimized procurement and logistics costs while upholding product integrity, regulatory standards, and stakeholder expectations. Asst. Manager- Operations & Key Accounts

Al Reyami Shipping & Logistics LLC

Sep 2008 - Feb 2010

Oversaw end-to-end shipping, freight forwarding, customs brokerage, and logistics operations for the Abu Dhabi branch, ensuring efficient and compliant execution across local and international trade lanes.

Managed shipping and logistics needs for high-value key accounts, delivering tailored solutions while maintaining service excellence and cost control.

Led logistics planning and execution for critical projects — including UAE Armed Forces logistics support, YAHSAT satellite program, and Al Jaber initiatives — balancing tight timelines, security protocols, and budgetary constraints.

Acted as the primary interface with freight partners, customs house agents, and internal stakeholders to ensure seamless delivery and customer satisfaction across complex supply chain touch points.

Key Accounts Executive for Schlumberger

Danzas Abu Dhabi LLC (DHL Global Forwarding)

Jan 2007 - Sep 2008

Managed comprehensive logistics operations across sea, air, and land transportation modes — including freight forwarding, customs brokerage, and border clearance — ensuring regulatory compliance and efficiency across all movement channels for Schlumberger as representative of DHL.

Led logistical planning and execution for specialized projects involving the international transport of radioactive materials, adhering to strict safety, documentation, and legal protocols.

Acted as the strategic liaison between DGF (DHL Global Forwarding) and Schlumberger, fostering long-term business relationships through proactive service management and consistent performance.

Coordinated the timely delivery and return of high-value oil field equipment to Schlumberger sites across the Middle East and regional repair centers, maintaining strict service-level agreements

(SLAs).

Delivered mission-critical logistics solutions under tight timelines, supporting the continuity of oilfield operations while aligning with customer expectations and internal KPIs. Import Docuementation Assistant

Sharaf Shipping Agency LLC

Sep 2005 - Jan 2007

Handled end-to-end import documentation processes, including manifest reporting, issuing arrival and demurrage notices, and generating delivery orders in compliance with port and customs regulations.

Managed claims filing for import-related discrepancies or damages, ensuring timely resolution and minimizing financial impact.

Acted as a key point of contact between customers, shipping agents, and principal offices — ensuring smooth communication, issue resolution, and customer satisfaction throughout the import cycle.

Maintained accurate records and ensured full regulatory compliance for all inbound shipments, contributing to operational transparency and audit readiness. Junior Executive - Container M&R

Ace Containers Pvt Ltd

Apr 2004 - Sep 2005

Monitored container inspection processes end-to-end, ensuring adherence to evolving industry standards and incorporating new technologies and inspection criteria.

Conducted post-repair surveys and performed detailed damage estimations to assess container condition and maintenance needs.

Coordinated with principals and shipping agents to manage claims and oversee timely repairs, minimizing downtime and financial exposure.

Managed container off-hire and on-hire inspection schedules to ensure accurate asset status tracking and billing compliance.

Delivered training and knowledge updates to team members on the latest container handling protocols and inspection technologies.

Container Surveyor

Mega Containers Pvt Ltd

Feb 2001 - Apr 2004

Conducted thorough container inspections and precise damage estimations to ensure asset integrity and operational readiness.

Liaised directly with shipping agents and principals to obtain timely repair approvals, facilitating swift maintenance and minimizing operational delays. EDUCATION

MBA in International Trade & Logistics 2011 - 2014 Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM)

Diploma in Shipping, Export & Import Management 2008 Career Institute

Diploma in Shipping & Port Agency 2005

Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers

Diploma in Management 2003

National Institute of Business Management

Container Inspectors Certificate 2001

Institute of International Container Lessors

G.C.E. Advance Level Certificate (Mathematics) 2000 Royal College, Colombo 07

G.C.E. Ordinary Level certificate 1996

Royal College, Colombo 07

OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS

Mentor of Ignite-10 program, conducted by Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport - 2025 Best Employee of the Month - July 2007 - Danzas Abu Dhabi LLC, UAE Royal Gold Award - 1996 & 1997 - Royal College Colombo 07 Certificate of Appreciation - 1999 - Royal College, Colombo 07 Senior Prefect - 2000 - Royal College, Colombo 07

Regimental Quarter Master Sergeant Major (W.O. II) - 2000 - National Cadets Corps, Sri Lanka Sergeant - Royal College Cadet Band - 1999

Winners of Lt. Gen T.I Weerathunga Challenge Shield - 1995, 1996, 1999 - National Cadet Corp

(Member of winning platoon)

Cadet - Royal College Cadet Band - 1995 to 1999, National Cadet Corps Scout - Royal College - 1991 to 1993

Athlete - Royal College - 1995 to 1999

SKILLS

Leadership Training / Coaching / Mentoring

ICT Negotiations

Result Orientation Decision making / Problem solving Emotional Intelligence Adaptability

Resilience

REFERENCE

Mr. Anuranga Godage Mr. Dharshana Wijemanne

Deputy Director of Customs,

Sri Lanka Customs,

Main street, Colombo 11, Sri Lanka

Mobile: +94-71-802-****

Director / CEO

Advantis 3PL Plus,

408A, Nungamugoda, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka

Mobile: +94-77-303-****

Email:*********.*********@********.*****



Contact this candidate