Hellmann Worldwide Logistics and MAS Holdings, partners in the joint venture Hellmann MAS Supply Chain established in 2018, have announced plans to develop a new purpose-built contract logistics facility in Kimbulapitiya, Sri Lanka.
Located in the Gampaha District of the Western Province, just six kilometers from Bandaranaike International Airport, the facility will function as a dedicated fashion logistics hub within Hellmann’s South Asia network.
The development marks an important step in Hellmann’s Forward 2030 strategy, further strengthening its fashion logistics vertical as a core driver of long-term global growth. Sri Lanka’s strategic location connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe continues to position the country as a key player in international trade and fashion supply chains.
For MAS Holdings, the investment reflects the company’s continued growth ambitions and reinforces its standing as South Asia’s largest apparel technology company, while supporting its vision of driving transformation within the global apparel industry.
Spanning more than 8,000 square meters, the facility is designed to manage a wide range of fashion logistics operations. It will feature dual-zone humidity and climate control systems, solar-powered infrastructure, and scalable capabilities to support regional distribution across Asia, Africa, and Europe, while maintaining high standards of efficiency and sustainability.
The project further strengthens the long-standing partnership between Hellmann and MAS Holdings through Hellmann MAS Supply Chain, combining Hellmann’s global logistics expertise with MAS Holdings’ extensive apparel manufacturing and supply chain knowledge to deliver integrated end-to-end logistics solutions for leading international fashion brands across South Asia.
“Sri Lanka combines world-class manufacturing and contract logistics capabilities with agile fashion supply chains, making it a trusted partner for global brands. With this new built-to-suit facility, we are strengthening the end-to-end fashion logistics capabilities of Hellmann MAS Supply Chain, our mutual joint venture with MAS Holdings,” said Patrick Grzywa, Regional COO Contract Logistics IMEA, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics.
MullenLowe’s Sampath Karunaratne receives Next Generation Leader Scholarship for Cannes Lions
MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka has once again strengthened its reputation for creative excellence with Sampath Karunaratne, Creative Director, being awarded the 2026 Next Generation Leader Scholarship to attend the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in France.
The recognition marks the second consecutive year that a creative leader from MullenLowe Sri Lanka has secured the prestigious scholarship, following Harendra Uyanage, who became the inaugural recipient last year during his tenure as Vice President and Executive Creative Director.
Established by Metal Factor, the scholarship honours the legacy of Yong Lye Peng and aims to recognise and nurture emerging leaders in Sri Lanka’s marketing communications industry. The initiative focuses on providing global exposure by enabling recipients to engage with industry leaders, participate in workshops, and bring back valuable insights to elevate the local creative landscape.
The 2026 recipient was selected through a rigorous evaluation process conducted by a distinguished panel comprising Ranil de Silva, Founder of Metal Factor, Gian de Rose, Director – Brand and Communications at Sysco LABS, Kaushala Amarasekara, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of DFCC Bank, and Sheron Jayasundara, CEO of Ngage Strategic Alliance.
Commenting on the scholarship, Ranil de Silva stated, “Yong Lye Peng was a globally respected marketing communications strategist and a valued partner in establishing Leo Burnett in Sri Lanka. This scholarship, initiated by her husband Douglas Khoo, was created to recognise and reward the next generation of leaders in our industry. Sampath Karunaratne stood out to the jury this year, earning the opportunity to attend the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. I am confident he will return inspired and contribute towards elevating creative standards in Sri Lanka while helping the industry gain greater global recognition.”
With nearly two decades of experience in Sri Lanka’s advertising industry, Sampath Karunaratne has built a strong reputation for creative leadership since beginning his career as a copywriter. The scholarship offers him a partially funded opportunity to attend the 2026 festival and engage with the global creative community.
Reflecting on the recognition, Sampath Karunaratne said, “I see this opportunity as a responsibility to take Sri Lankan creativity to the world — not just to participate, but to show that we belong on that stage and to create more opportunities for others to follow.”
Hellmann and MAS Holdings unveil fashion logistics hub in Sri Lanka
