Monday Jan 26, 2026
Monday Jan 26, 2026
Monday, 26 January 2026 05:30 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Industry sources said that despite repeatedly highlighting the practical issues faced by the genuine trading community, there appears to be a lack of positive and timely action by Sri Lanka Customs, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), and others as recent discussions concluded without any progress.
“If this situation continues without meaningful intervention, stakeholders may be compelled to consider appropriate action, including but not limited to refraining from processing online Customs Declarations (CUSDECs) or initiating container transport-related trade action,” sources said.
It was pointed out that Customs clearing costs are increasing on a daily basis, and there must be a reasonable limit to the burden imposed on clearing agents and importers. At present, due to persistent issues at Customs, the SLPA, RCT, and Grayline yards, clearing expenses have escalated up to Rs. 250,000 per Full Container Load (FCL), inclusive of transport and container hold-up charges.
Instead of implementing the solutions that were already proposed and agreed upon, further delays are being caused by introducing additional container examinations and diverting containers to vested yards, sources claimed. This has resulted in monopolistic service provision by extending yards under the same existing service providers, without any added value or transparency, they added.
“We sincerely urge the relevant authorities to take immediate, practical, and positive action in the interest of trade facilitation and to protect the genuine trading community from further financial strain,” industry sources said.
“We hope the authorities will understand the gravity of the situation and act without further delay,” they emphasised.
Others also said that none of the heads of the import and export-related Government sectors are willing to take timely decisions or accept responsibility to resolve ongoing trade issues.
“Critical matters such as shipment cut-off extensions—even by one day or one week—cross-border Letter of Credit (LC) complications, shipment delays, and No Foreign Exchange (NFE)-related issues clearly fall under the purview of the Controller of Imports and Exports, not under the Director General of Customs. However, because goods remain under Customs custody, the blame is consistently directed at the Director General of Customs,” they opined.
“If clear directions are issued by the Controller of Imports and Exports, the Director General of Customs is fully empowered to instruct the relevant officers to facilitate clearance. Unfortunately, this coordination and decision-making are not happening,” it was pointed out.
They claimed that at the same time, Sri Lanka Customs is facing serious internal issues regarding adherence to time frames for container clearance. Even when instructions are given by senior officers, they are often challenged or delayed by junior officers. Department Heads appear reluctant to take firm and positive action, largely due to fear that the Government may later find fault with them.
