Container Clearing Delays Hampering Trade - CTOA

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Container Transport Owners Association has raised concerns over delays in customs clearance for imported containers, which it says is severely impacting trade operations.

Chairman Sanath Manjula attributed the issue to inadequate container yards, resulting in a backlog of containers at the harbor.

He further highlighted the limited number of customs checkpoints in Colombo, leading to congestion and inefficiency in the clearance process.

The Container Transport Owners Association has called for immediate measures to address the issue, including the establishment of additional container yards and the expansion of customs clearance facilities.

In response, Sri Lanka Customs Spokesperson Seevali Arukgoda acknowledged the challenges faced by the industry and said that the matter has been brought to the attention of relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Finance.