SLPA extends occupancy charge waiver till 7 May

On top of the demurrage free period, Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) has extended the occupancy charges till 7 May for all ports, as a relief measure to the import trade and shipping community.

To ensure continuous operation at all ports SLPA has instructed SAGT and CICT to offer related concession from 14 April to 7 May to all consignees.

Only basic occupational rent will be charged at terminals for all imported local TEUs. The terminals of JCT and UCT of SLPA, terminals of the SAGT and CICT will act accordingly.

Previously, occupancy charges were waived-off treating as holidays in the system from 7 March to 14 April. 

Occupancy charges are the rent collected by the SLPA for keeping containers and cargo inside the port.

With the outbreak of COVID-19 in the island, institutions related to operating import and export consignments faced many difficulties with limited access to mobility.  As a result, all terminals and warehouses such as SAGT and CICT reached their maximum capacities. This has further created obstacles for the continuity of port operations and space required for positioning of containers and cargo at terminals and warehouses within the port. 

Occupancy charges waiver was given as a relief measure to companies due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Given this difficult period we extended our fullest cooperation to all the stakeholders. However, going forward from 8 May, there is no room for us to provide such concessions and the penal duties will be charged,” SLPA Chairman Major General Daya Ratnayake told the Daily FT.

The economic cost of the decision is yet to be assessed, he said. (CdeS)