The David Pieris Group has acquired a 50% stake in Navire Logistics Services L.L.C., marking a major step in its global expansion. Leveraging strong domestic capabilities through D P Logistics, the Group aims to build a robust regional logistics network across the Middle East and South Asia.
The David Pieris Group has taken a decisive step in strengthening its international footprint with the acquisition of a 50 percent stake in Dubai-based Navire Logistics Services L.L.C., marking a significant chapter in the Sri Lankan conglomerate’s long-term global expansion strategy. The investment signals the Group’s intent to evolve from a strong domestic logistics player into a regional and international force, leveraging decades of operational expertise developed in Sri Lanka to meet the increasingly complex demands of global supply chains.
Headquartered in Dubai with operations spanning Oman, Navire Logistics Services L.L.C. is a well-regarded logistics services provider with capabilities in custom house brokering, freight forwarding, cargo consolidation, warehousing, and transport solutions. By partnering with Navire, the David Pieris Group gains a strategic foothold in two of the Middle East’s most important logistics hubs, while also positioning itself closer to key global trade routes linking Asia, Europe, and Africa. The move aligns with broader shifts in global commerce, where supply chains are being reconfigured for resilience, speed, and regional diversification.
At the heart of this expansion is D P Logistics (Private) Limited, the Group’s logistics arm in Sri Lanka, which has steadily built a reputation as one of the country’s most comprehensive logistics solutions providers. Over the years, DPL has developed end-to-end capabilities covering warehousing, transportation, freight forwarding, project logistics, inland distribution, and custom house brokering. Operating in a market known for its fragmentation, particularly in freight forwarding, the company has distinguished itself as one of the few local players with expertise across the full logistics spectrum.
Today, DPL ranks among the top ten companies in warehousing and third-party logistics operations in Sri Lanka and manages one of the largest container fleets in the country’s logistics sector. This scale and breadth have enabled it to serve a diverse customer base across industries, while maintaining operational control and service consistency. The Group’s confidence in taking its logistics expertise overseas is rooted in this strong domestic foundation, built through years of investment in infrastructure, people, and process excellence.
The Group’s ambitions in logistics and shipping were further underscored in 2022 with the acquisition of Pulsar Shipping Agencies (Pvt.) Limited, the shipping arm of Expolanka Holdings PLC. That acquisition expanded the David Pieris Logistics and Shipping Cluster into ship agency services, vessel husbandry, and marine logistics, complementing its land-based logistics operations. Together, these capabilities created a more integrated offering, enabling the Group to handle cargo across sea, land, and port interfaces with greater efficiency and control.
The partnership with Navire Logistics Services L.L.C. represents a natural progression of this strategy. By integrating DPL’s expertise into Navire’s Middle Eastern operations, the Group aims to enhance service quality, operational efficiency, and customer responsiveness across the region. The collaboration is expected to deliver tangible benefits to customers operating across the Middle East and South Asia, particularly those seeking seamless, cross-border logistics solutions that combine local market knowledge with international standards.
Beyond Dubai, the investment extends to Oman through a fully owned subsidiary, strengthening the Group’s presence in another strategically important market. Oman’s growing role as a logistics gateway, supported by port developments and infrastructure investments, offers significant opportunities for companies with strong regional networks. The David Pieris Group has also signaled its intention to continue expanding, with plans underway to establish operations in Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and India. These markets, each with distinct logistics dynamics and growth trajectories, are expected to play a key role in building a robust regional network that connects South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
Commenting on the expansion, Kalum Katipearachchi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of D P Logistics (Private) Limited, emphasized the importance of people and operational excellence in driving the Group’s international ambitions. With more than 60 dedicated employees already operating in the Middle Eastern region, he noted that the company is focused on delivering practical and seamless solutions to complex supply chain challenges faced by a diverse customer base. According to him, the professionalism, passion, and commitment of the team remain central to integrating Sri Lankan logistics expertise into global markets.
He also highlighted integrity and precision as core values guiding the Group’s operations, whether in local logistics or global freight forwarding. In an industry where reliability, compliance, and attention to detail are critical, these values are seen as key differentiators that enable long-term customer relationships and sustained growth. As global supply chains become more demanding, such attributes are increasingly valued by businesses seeking partners they can trust across borders and jurisdictions.
The broader significance of this expansion lies in what it represents for Sri Lankan enterprise on the global stage. For decades, the David Pieris Group has been synonymous with business excellence in Sri Lanka, growing into one of the country’s largest, most diversified, and financially stable conglomerates. With a history spanning more than forty years, the Group now comprises 35 companies operating across a wide range of sectors, including automotive, financial services, logistics, shipping and marine services, racing and leisure, information and communication technology, real estate, and solar energy.
This diversification has provided resilience through economic cycles, while also fostering a culture of innovation and disciplined growth. The move into international logistics markets reflects the Group’s confidence in exporting not just services, but also management practices, operational standards, and a distinctly Sri Lankan approach to business built on trust and long-term relationships. It also mirrors a broader trend of Sri Lankan companies seeking opportunities beyond national borders, driven by the need to scale, diversify revenue streams, and participate more actively in global value chains.
As the David Pieris Logistics and Shipping Cluster integrates its domestic strengths with its new international operations, it is positioning itself as an emerging international logistics and shipping services provider capable of meeting diverse customer needs across regions. The investment in Navire Logistics Services L.L.C. is more than a financial transaction; it is a strategic statement of intent, underscoring the Group’s vision to take Sri Lankan expertise to global markets while reinforcing its commitment to innovation, integrity, and sustainable growth.
In an era marked by supply chain disruptions, geopolitical shifts, and rapid technological change, the ability to operate seamlessly across borders has become a defining factor for logistics companies. By anchoring its international expansion in proven capabilities and strong partnerships, the David Pieris Group appears well placed to navigate these challenges, transforming regional opportunities into a cohesive global presence rooted in decades of business excellence.
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