July 22, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council has delivered a strong rebuke to successive governments for their inconsistent policies, asserting that this inaction has facilitated widespread corruption, detrimentally affecting various industries.
Despite repeated promises from different administrations, the Council highlighted the persistent lack of good governance and effective policy as a major issue.
On Friday, Council Chairman Sean Van Dort called on the Ports Authority and the Minister of Shipping to tackle the entrenched corruption within institutions such as Sri Lanka Customs and the Inland Revenue Department.
Re-elected as Chairman at the Council’s 54th Annual General Meeting (AGM), Van Dort criticised the government’s inadequate response to the recent go-slow campaign by Sri Lanka Customs, describing it as a clear indication of its reluctance to address these issues decisively.
“It is disgraceful that a department like Customs and the authorities take such a dismissive view of these problems. Customs continue to be a thorn in our side,” Van Dort remarked.
While ship handling at the ports meets acceptable standards, Van Dort drew attention to ongoing challenges with the logistics side, mentioning unsanitary warehouses and outdated equipment.
“Pilferage and damage are commonplace. This is the reality,” he lamented.
The Shippers’ Council also noted that private sector entities must be held accountable for their contributions to corruption.
Van Dort explained that in the interest of efficiency, the private sector often outsources bribery and corrupt practices to other entities.
“Companies present themselves as respectable but then engage other entities to pay bribes, disguised as agency commissions and handling fees,” he stated.
Despite these challenges, Van Dort emphasised that the Council and its members do not expect government handouts.
“What we expect is a service that does not hinder operations. We are confident in our ability to compete in international markets. Our private sector is robust enough to find their own markets and generate revenue, but we need the service we deserve,” he added.
