Private sector opposes SLPA tariff hike move

Eight leading private sector lobby groups are strongly opposing the unilateral decision by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) to increase port tariffs. 

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, National Chamber of Exporters, Sri Lanka Apparel (JAAF), Sri Lanka Shippers Council, Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents, Sri Lanka Freight Forwarders Association, Association of Clearing and Forwarding Agents, and Ceylon Freight and Logistics Association, in a statement, said a joint consultative committee (JCC) which included the eight organisations as well as officials of the SLPA was established by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Southern Development to enable a consensus-driven mechanism to resolve issues relating to the tariff increase.

The concerns raised by the private sector at the JCC and through written proposals have not been adequately addressed, and has thereby rendered the envisaged consultative process a failure. 

The opposition to the tariff hike is based on several reasons. Among them is the difficult operating environment that the trade is facing, the need to address existing inefficiencies in the Port operations to make Sri Lanka more competitive, and the disruption to existing contracts. 

The private sector representatives of the JCC are also disappointed that the assurances given by the SLPA to refund the excess tariffs already paid (when the hike was brought into effect from 1 January to 7 February) have not been implemented. 

“We urge that the proposed tariff hike be stayed, permitting the private-public consultation process through the JCC to arrive at a suitable solution,” the eight private sector lobby groups said in their joint statement.