SEA FREIGHT
Ocean Freight
Long-term contracts with 20 leading carriers secure space even in peak season.
- FCL
- LCL
- Reefer
- Break-bulk
Global Market · Southern Asia
Vietnam – Sri Lanka Logistics
Sri Lanka market information for importers and exporters: seaports, airports, economic size, trade preferences and growth potential.
Key facts
- Capital
- Colombo
- Region
- Southern Asia
- Population
- 22 million
- Area
- 65,610 km²
- Nominal GDP (2023)
- US$84 billion
- GDP per capita
- 3,877 USD
- GDP ranking
- No. 72 worldwide
- 5-year GDP growth
- -2.2%/year
- Currency
- LKR (LKR)
- Languages
- Sinhala, Tamil
- Distance to Ho Chi Minh City
- 2,853 km
Economic size
In 2023, Sri Lanka’s nominal GDP reached US$84 billion, ranking No. 72 in the world, with GDP per capita of around US$3,877. Over the past 5 years, GDP in US dollar terms grew by an average of -2.2% per year.
Growth potential
- GDP in US dollar terms has fallen by an average of 2.2% per year over 5 years; watch for currency and purchasing power risks.
- Close to Vietnam (about 2,853 km), with short transit times.
Trade agreements with Vietnam
Vietnam and Sri Lanka do not currently have a free trade agreement in force. Goods are subject to the importing country’s standard duty rates.
Shipping from Vietnam to Sri Lanka
Ocean
8–16 days
from Cat Lai / Cai Mep, depending on destination port and transshipment
Air
1–3 days
from SGN / HAN, including handling time
Distance
2,853 km
straight-line distance
Transit times are indicative estimates, not commitments. Contact us for actual vessel and flight schedules.
Major seaports
The World Port Index lists 6 ports in Sri Lanka. The table below shows the main cargo ports.
| Port | UN/LOCODE | Size | Channel depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo | LKCMB | Medium | 12 m |
| Trincomalee Harbor | LKTRR | Medium | 22 m |
| Galle Harbor | LKGAL | Small | 9 m |
| Kankesanturai | LKKNK | Very small | 9 m |
Port guides: Sri Lanka
International airports
Sri Lanka has 7 large and medium-sized airports. The main airports for cargo are:
| Airport | IATA | City |
|---|---|---|
| Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport | CMB | Colombo |
| Colombo Ratmalana International Airport | RML | Colombo |
| Jaffna International Airport | JAF | Jaffna |
| Batticaloa International Airport | BTC | Batticaloa |
| Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport | HRI | Mattala |
| Koggala Airport | KCT | Galle |
Services for the Vietnam – Sri Lanka lane
AIR FREIGHT
Air Freight
Weekly block space agreements and full charters for urgent, high-value cargo.
- Express
- Charter
- DG
- Pharma
ROAD & RAIL
Road & Rail Freight
Owned GPS-tracked fleet and Vietnam – China – Europe rail freight.
- FTL
- LTL
- Cross-border
- Rail
CONTRACT LOGISTICS
Warehousing & Distribution
International-standard distribution centers run on WMS and automated conveyor systems.
- Bonded
- Cold chain
- Fulfillment
CUSTOMS & TRADE
Customs & Trade Advisory
Licensed customs brokers and FTA specialists who optimize duty rates for FDI companies.
- VNACCS
- C/O
- EVFTA
- CPTPP
PROJECT CARGO
Project & Oversized Cargo
Route surveys, lashing plans and equipment transport for industrial and energy projects.
- OOG
- Heavy-lift
- Turnkey
Are you a logistics company in Sri Lanka?
Join Global Logistic Group’s agent network to handle shipments from Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
Frequently asked questions
How long does ocean freight from Vietnam to Sri Lanka take?
Estimated ocean transit time is 8–16 days, depending on the origin and destination ports, carrier and number of transshipments. Global Logistic Group provides exact sailing schedules with every quote.
What are the main seaports in Sri Lanka?
The main cargo ports in Sri Lanka include Colombo, Trincomalee Harbor, Galle Harbor, Kankesanturai.
Which airports handle international air cargo in Sri Lanka?
International air cargo to Sri Lanka mainly arrives via Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport (CMB), Colombo Ratmalana International Airport (RML), Jaffna International Airport (JAF).
What trade agreements do Vietnam and Sri Lanka have?
There is currently no free trade agreement in force between Vietnam and Sri Lanka.
Neighboring countries
Other markets in Southern Asia
Sources: World Bank (GDP for 2023, population), NGA World Port Index, OurAirports, mledoze/countries. Figures are for reference only.