Importers claim over 10,000 vehicles stuck in ports

Tuesday, 19 August 2025 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Vehicle Importers’ Association of Lanka (VIAL) Chairman Indika Sampath Merenchige yesterday said that more than 10,000 vehicles are stuck at Sri Lankan ports over Customs clearance delays and documentation problems.

According to him, 8,726 vehicles have been held at ports for less than 45 days, while another 751 have been stranded for more than 45 days since February. In addition, about 200 vehicles imported before February remain uncleared at Hambantota Port, Merenchige told a press conference.

He said Customs officials informed him that 450 entries were cleared on 15 August, amounting to about 600 to 700 vehicles, since each entry can cover multiple units.

He added that Customs was expected to process around 500 entries yesterday, releasing roughly 2,000 vehicles.

“Despite this, about 5,000 vehicles have been held up at Customs for the past 45 days, and another 5,000 vehicles are expected to arrive soon,” he said.

He also warned that Japanese freight services may be asked to suspend vehicle shipments to Hambantota Port due to transshipment difficulties.

Merenchige indicated that about 1,000 vehicles are stuck at Colombo Port, while roughly 10,000 are being held at Hambantota.