By: Staff Writer
January 13, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo Port is facing severe congestion as container volumes have surged dramatically, exposing critical shortcomings in infrastructure and Customs operations.
According to Additional Director General of Sri Lanka Customs, Seevali Arukgoda, the daily volume of containers passing through the port has increased significantly, rising from an average of 800–1,200 containers to over 1,500, with peak days seeing as many as 3,000 containers.
This unprecedented increase has overwhelmed existing systems, prompting urgent intervention by the government.
In response to the crisis, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held discussions with stakeholders, resulting in Sri Lanka Customs agreeing to operate continuously, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to clear the backlog of import containers.
A statement from the President’s office confirmed that Customs officers would work around the clock to expedite the clearance process.
Additionally, President Dissanayake emphasized the need for both public and private sector stakeholders to collaborate in addressing the crisis and implementing solutions to prevent future delays.
Delays caused by regulatory agencies such as the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI), the Department of Food Commissioner, and the Plant Quarantine Division were highlighted as major contributors to the congestion.
Staff shortages in these institutions were identified as a key factor, significantly slowing down the clearance process.
The President directed the relevant authorities to fill these vacancies immediately and improve welfare allowances for officers, ensuring that these institutions can function more efficiently.
To further alleviate congestion, a 5-acre plot of land in the Bloemendhal area was allocated for storing containers pending investigation.
Two acres of this land will be made available by January 31, with the remaining three acres ready by February 28.
This initiative is expected to provide much-needed space to accommodate the overflow of containers, easing the pressure on the port terminals.
Another measure to reduce congestion involves redirecting idle container trucks, which have been contributing to traffic within the terminals, to a designated parking area in Peliyagoda. This decision is expected to free up space within the port and improve the flow of operations.
Importers have also agreed to comply with stricter regulations to avoid delays. Food-related products must now be accompanied by mandatory certificates issued by accredited foreign laboratories, following proper testing.
Violations of these requirements will result in legal action in accordance with government regulations. Wharf clerks and other private service providers have been instructed to work 24/7 to ensure the efficient clearance of containers.
During the discussions, President Dissanayake stressed the importance of implementing short-term, medium-term, and long-term plans for the development of the port sector.
He urged all stakeholders, including the port, Customs, and private service providers, to work as a unified team to resolve the crisis. Ports Minister Bimal Ratnayake added that the expedited clearance measures would remain in effect until June 30, underscoring the need for sustained cooperation.
This comprehensive approach aims not only to resolve the immediate congestion but also to create a foundation for long-term improvements in port operations.
By addressing systemic inefficiencies and enhancing collaboration between the public and private sectors, the government is working to transform Colombo Port into a more efficient and resilient hub for trade.
