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Sri Lanka Customs Ensures No Food Price Hike
"There is no possibility of price increases; priority is given to food items and essential goods," stated Customs Media Spokesperson and Additional Director General, Sivalingam Arukgoda.
He emphasized that rice, imported food items, and other essential goods are being cleared immediately, while regular cargo shipments are subject to standard customs inspections.
As of February 1st, approximately 850 shipping containers were held in the three customs inspection yards, while an additional 300 containers were awaiting clearance. In total, around 1,200 containers were pending release at Colombo Port.
With full cooperation from Sri Lanka’s trade unions, Sri Lanka Customs launched this fast-track cargo clearance program on January 30th. The goal is to clear the third batch of containers by February 2nd, ensuring that importers, logistics providers, and cargo clearance agents complete their tasks on time.
According to Sri Lanka Customs, they aim for a 100% cargo clearance rate by the end of the program.
With full cooperation from Sri Lanka’s trade unions, Sri Lanka Customs launched this fast-track cargo clearance program on January 30th. The goal is to clear the third batch of containers by February 2nd, ensuring that importers, logistics providers, and cargo clearance agents complete their tasks on time.
According to Sri Lanka Customs, they aim for a 100% cargo clearance rate by the end of the program.
Addressing the Cargo Backlog in Colombo Port
Before launching this expedited cargo release initiative, nearly 2,500 containers were awaiting clearance, and the backlog of shipping containers was increasing daily.
G. Illamananathan, Chairman of the Essential Food Importers and Traders Association, confirmed that importers have not experienced any major delays. As a result, there is no expectation of food price hikes in Sri Lanka or shortages of imported goods in the local market.
G. Illamananathan, Chairman of the Essential Food Importers and Traders Association, confirmed that importers have not experienced any major delays. As a result, there is no expectation of food price hikes in Sri Lanka or shortages of imported goods in the local market.
Sri Lanka’s Long-Term Plan to Solve Colombo Port Congestion
While this expedited cargo clearance operation is helping reduce congestion at Colombo Port, Sri Lanka’s trade unions warn that the issue is far from over.
Recently, the Customs Officers’ Trade Union stated that some external parties are attempting to create a divide between them and the Sri Lankan government. However, they emphasized their commitment to working with the government to resolve the Colombo Port cargo clearance challenges.
Recently, the Customs Officers’ Trade Union stated that some external parties are attempting to create a divide between them and the Sri Lankan government. However, they emphasized their commitment to working with the government to resolve the Colombo Port cargo clearance challenges.
New Cargo Yard in Bloemendhal to Ease Port Delays
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake highlighted that around 85% of imported cargo is cleared efficiently, but the challenge lies in clearing the remaining 15%.
To address this, the government has identified a new cargo clearance site in Bloemendhal. Once the new cargo yard is fully operational, it is expected to ease congestion at Colombo Port and improve Sri Lanka’s import and export logistics.
Sri Lanka’s Ports Minister: “No Quick Fix for Cargo Clearance Issues”
Minister of Ports Bimal Rathnayake previously stated that Sri Lanka’s cargo clearance problems are long-term issues that require structural solutions rather than quick fixes.
Due to severe congestion at Colombo Port, several international shipping companies have already rerouted vessels away from Sri Lanka. Addressing these customs clearance challenges is essential for maintaining Sri Lanka’s position as a major shipping hub in the Indian Ocean.
To address this, the government has identified a new cargo clearance site in Bloemendhal. Once the new cargo yard is fully operational, it is expected to ease congestion at Colombo Port and improve Sri Lanka’s import and export logistics.
Sri Lanka’s Ports Minister: “No Quick Fix for Cargo Clearance Issues”
Minister of Ports Bimal Rathnayake previously stated that Sri Lanka’s cargo clearance problems are long-term issues that require structural solutions rather than quick fixes.
Due to severe congestion at Colombo Port, several international shipping companies have already rerouted vessels away from Sri Lanka. Addressing these customs clearance challenges is essential for maintaining Sri Lanka’s position as a major shipping hub in the Indian Ocean.
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