New Democratic Front (NDF) MP Ravi Karunanayake told Parliament yesterday (5) that expanding port capacity and regulating container depot operations are essential to improving efficiency and enhancing Sri Lanka’s international competitiveness in port operations.
He said these objectives could be achieved through the proposed Container Depot Operators Licensing Act, which would formalise the sector and ensure the State receives due revenue. MP Karunanayake noted that container depot operators currently function without proper regulation, do not pay taxes, and channel significant earnings without benefiting the national economy.
“For this, some fixed income needs to be generated. Through that, the container operations sector can be developed. An opportunity Sri Lanka once had has been lost to Singapore. We must acquire technology from developed countries,” he said, adding that the proposed legislation would enable the Government to secure rightful income while adopting modern technological practices used internationally.
The MP pointed out that Sri Lanka’s ports are currently ranked 25th globally, recalling that when former Minister Lalith Athulathmudali initiated port development, Sri Lanka had held a leading global position. He stressed that proper regulation could help the country regain that standing.
Highlighting operational challenges, MP Karunanayake said delays in cargo handling are costing the country millions of rupees, noting that losing even one hour at the port results in significant financial losses. He observed that while work on the East Container Terminal is underway, greater attention must be paid to optimising the existing port area.
“There is no proper space for anchoring, and ships are now diverting to other countries instead of calling at Sri Lankan ports,” he said, adding that while India clears goods in about 0.9 days, Sri Lanka takes considerably longer, undermining its competitiveness in regional maritime trade.
