Monday January 13, 2025 6:20 am
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka Customs has agreed to work 24 hours to clear a backlog of import containers at Colombo Port following discussion with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, a statement from his office said.
“To expedite the clearance process, Sri Lanka Customs officers agreed to operate continuously, 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” the statement said.
Sri Lanka Customs officials were doing more checks on import containers, an official was shown saying on television.
A 5-acre plot would be provided in the Bloemendhal area of the port for storing containers pending investigation. Two acres would be released by January 31 and the balance by February 28.
Container trucks which were idle inside the port, contributing to congestion within the terminals, will be parked in Peliyagoda.
Time taken by regulatory agencies such as the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI), the Department of Food Commissioner, and the Plant Quarantine Division were also contributing to delayed clearance.
There were staff shortages in these institutions were a significant factor.
The President directed the relevant authorities to fill these vacancies promptly and to enhance welfare allowances for the officers of these institutions to ensure a more efficient clearance process, the statement said.
Wharf clerks and other private service providers would also have to work 24 hours to clear the containers.
Importers agreed that food-related products must be accompanied by mandatory certificates issued by foreign laboratories following proper testing, and in the event of any violations, appropriate legal action will be taken in accordance with government regulations.
Ports Minister Bimal Ratnayake was quotes as saying that the expedited clearance process would continue until June 30 and all stakeholders, including the port, customs, and private service providers, should work together as one unified team. (Colombo/Jan13/2025)
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