November 09, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s leading apparel exporters have sounded the alarm over worsening inefficiencies at the Colombo Port, warning that persistent delays and outdated systems are driving regional trade away from the island and threatening the country’s hard-earned reputation as a reliable exporter.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) said that while Sri Lanka continues to grapple with operational shortcomings, neighbouring economies have surged ahead with modernised, fully digital port systems.
“India’s new Vizhinjam Port, along with established hubs such as Singapore and Dubai, now offer faster vessel turnaround times, real-time cargo tracking, and streamlined digital coordination,” the association noted. “As a result, transshipment volumes that once passed through Colombo are being redirected elsewhere.”
According to JAAF, several international shipping lines have recently opted to skip Colombo altogether—sometimes announcing the change just days before docking—forcing cargo such as fabric, zippers, buttons, and other garment accessories to be offloaded at alternate ports or delayed by several days.
“These disruptions are disastrous for manufacturers working under strict delivery timelines,” JAAF Secretary-General Yohan Lawrence said. “Even a short delay can trigger missed deadlines, contractual penalties, or the need to airfreight goods at significantly higher costs.”
The group attributed much of the problem to structural inefficiencies within port operations, including slow container transfers between terminals, inadequate digital integration, and poor coordination among multiple port agencies.
JAAF has urged the government to prioritise modernisation, calling for “comprehensive operational reform” that includes digitised pre-clearance systems, improved cargo visibility, and unified inter-terminal coordination to restore Colombo’s competitiveness.
The government has yet to respond to the concerns raised by the industry body.
This latest setback comes just weeks after Sri Lankan exporters were hit by a new 20 per cent tariff imposed by the United States, one of the country’s largest apparel markets. Although the rate was reduced from an earlier proposal of 44 per cent, officials had hoped the adjustment would keep Sri Lanka competitive with other key exporters such as Bangladesh and Vietnam.
Industry stakeholders now fear that without urgent port reforms, even that advantage may quickly erode, dealing another blow to one of Sri Lanka’s most vital export sectors.
