Sri Lanka Customs prioritises cargo clearance

Sri Lanka Customs has decided to prioritise clearance of goods with immediate effect, given the sudden spike of COVID-19 infected people in Colombo.

Issuing a statement, Sri Lanka Customs Director General Major General (Retd.) G. Vijitha Ravipriya said that essential goods, perishables, medicine, medical equipment, bulk cargo, sugar, cement, fertiliser, raw materials required for export processing zones and factories as well as goods necessary for Government projects would be released on a priority base.

However, clearance of general cargo will be controlled considering the increased COVID-19 infected people in the country.

Thereby, Sri Lanka Customs called on the general public not to panic and gather at its premises and gates unnecessarily to clear cargo. It also requested the public to adhere to health guidelines and to allow Government officials to carry out their duties while giving priority to clear essential cargo required for all citizens of the country.  

Sri Lanka Customs also noted that failing to adhere to the health guidelines and organisation directives would compel it to shut down operations.