Lanka Logistics and Technologies a national asset

by G. Chamindra DE SILVA

There seems to be lots of discussion revolving around Lanka Logistics & Technologies (Pvt) Ltd. (LLTL) in the recent past, and as a professional Management Consultant who assisted this organisation in formulating their forthcoming corporate strategic plan I thought it will be opportune for me to shed some light out of the knowledge I have gathered whilst being associated with this strategic exercise.

Actually, in the process of conducting the usual strategic analysis as an integral part of strategy formulation, it came to light that LLTL organisation should have come into existence at least 20 years ago. because of the absence of such an organisation it has cost our nation colossal amounts of money, judging by the enormous amount of savings that LLTL has yielded for our nation during its short period of existence.

It is quite inexplicable how all previous administrations overlooked such a vital requirement of a centralized State sponsored procurement facilitating body, because several developed and developing countries seem to have created such State sponsored organisations responsible for facilitation of major defence related acquisitions.

During our searching appraisal following benefits of such an organisation became very evident.

* Maintaining external secrecy and internal transparency - confidentiality in the procurement process resulted in complete secrecy of the capabilities of the assets being used by the defence forces which of course is an integral component of strategic advantage.

* Distinct cost advantages due to direct sourcing from principals

* Introduction of new sources of supply

* Assisting research and development activities

* Enhanced confidence by foreign governments in procurement of strategic weapons because of the involvement of a State sponsored procurement agency

Hence I believe any dutiful, conscientious, patriotic citizen, irrespective of their political affiliations must hail creation of this unique enterprise that has yielded our nation invaluable savings, particularly, in the form of scarce foreign exchange.

I am strongly of the opinion that this institution should not be the centre of controversy for political gain or advantage because it is the duty of every citizen to make this institution a strong national asset that will grow from strength to strength.

I am also aware that this institution is staffed with high calibre qualified professionals who have worked tirelessly and unswervingly during the height of hostilities and in fact has played a key role in our forces emerging victorious in the recently concluded war by providing sufficiently streamlined and coordinated logistical support.

At times it is an easy task to point fingers for various indefinable and spurious reasons for short-term advantage, but the evolution, existence and growth of this organisation is such a vital requirement for our nation.

Depside its laudable achievements during the war, its officials admirably led by senior professionals, this institution continuously strives to improve, and that was the reason behind why they wanted to embark on a forward planning strategic excise that will further pave way to yield continuous and increasing benefits to the betterment of our nation with enormous economic and social benefits.

Hence levying some frivolous yet serious accusations against this institution is somewhat painful to those who know the internal structure, strategies, systems and commitment of the members of this organisation, because the group of qualified professionals who work in this organisation are functioning tirelessly to keep momentum growth and searching for enhanced scope for this organisation which is relatively young in its lifecycle.

I fervently hope that when levelling criticism on this organisation one needs to take little time and effort to understand the structure, functioning and professionalism of this organisation and make impartial judgment of its worth to our country and its value creating capabilities and also in every possible way attempt to contribute towards strengthening its position leaving aside political differences and aspirations.

Also, without specific facts, information and knowledge of a particular instance of criticism, it is not only very unfair and destructive but also imply negatively whilst ignoring the strategic importance of the initiation and its unique purpose and mission of LLTL.

(The writer is a Management Consultant and a former Lecturer/Course Director for Financial Management at the MBA Programme of the University of Colombo.)