In a unified effort to address the ongoing container clearance crisis at the Colombo Port, 29 leading chambers of commerce and industry associations in Sri Lanka have issued a joint statement urging the government to take immediate action. The statement outlines a comprehensive action plan, including six short-term proposals to be implemented within the next two weeks and five medium-term proposals to be executed within the next three to six weeks. The aim is to alleviate the congestion and delays that have severely impacted trade and logistics operations.
Short-Term Proposals (Within Two Weeks)
- Implement Scanning and Inspection Systems: Expedite the deployment of advanced scanning and inspection systems to streamline and speed up the clearance process, reducing delays caused by manual inspections.
- Expand the Green Channel: Utilize existing data on importers to broaden the Green Channel facility, allowing trusted importers with a history of compliance to clear goods faster.
- Expedite AEO and CEO Approvals: Accelerate the approval process for Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) and Customs Economic Operators (CEO), enabling faster clearance for certified businesses.
- Enhance Risk Management Processes: Strengthen risk management protocols to identify and prioritize high-risk consignments, allowing low-risk shipments to move through customs more efficiently.
- Reconvene the Expedited Clearance Committee: Reactivate the Expedited Clearance Committee to oversee and resolve bottlenecks in the clearance process.
- Increase Customs Staffing or Operating Hours: Temporarily increase staffing levels or extend operating hours at customs to handle the backlog of containers awaiting clearance.
Medium-Term Proposals (Within Three to Six Weeks)
While the short-term measures aim to provide immediate relief, the medium-term proposals focus on systemic improvements to prevent future crises. These include:
- Digitization of Customs Processes: Fully digitize customs procedures to reduce paperwork, improve transparency, and expedite clearance times.
- Infrastructure Upgrades: Invest in port infrastructure to enhance capacity and efficiency, including the expansion of storage facilities and the modernization of equipment.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Establish a formal mechanism for regular consultation and collaboration between the government, port authorities, and private sector stakeholders to address operational challenges.
- Training and Capacity Building: Provide training programs for customs officials and port staff to improve efficiency and adopt best practices in cargo handling and clearance.
- Policy Reforms: Review and update policies related to import/export procedures, tariffs, and trade facilitation to align with international standards and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.
Unified Call for Action
The joint statement was endorsed by a broad coalition of industry leaders, including the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC), American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka (AMCHAM), Joint Apparel Association Forum Sri Lanka (JAAF), and Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council, among others. The signatories represent a wide range of sectors, including logistics, manufacturing, trade, and exports, underscoring the widespread impact of the container crisis on Sri Lanka’s economy.
The chambers and associations emphasized that the current delays in container clearance have led to significant financial losses, disrupted supply chains, and damaged Sri Lanka’s reputation as a reliable trade hub. They called on the government to prioritize the implementation of the proposed measures to restore confidence and ensure the smooth functioning of the port.
List of Signatories
- Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC)
- American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka (AMCHAM)
- Association of Clearing & Forwarding Agents (ACFA)
- Association of Container Transporters’ (ACT)
- Association of Inland Container Depot Operators (ACDO)
- Association of NVOCC Agents (SLANA)
- Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents (CASA)
- Ceylon Freight and Logistics Association (CEYFFA)
- Ceylon National Chamber of Industries (CNCI)
- CHA Traders Association
- Chamber of Construction Industry of Sri Lanka (CCI)
- Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE)
- Container Transport Owners’ Association (CTOA)
- Customs House Agents and Wharf Assistants Association (CHAWAA)
- Essential Food Commodities Importers & Traders Association (EFCITA)
- Exporters Association of Sri Lanka (EASL)
- Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL)
- Imports Section of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce
- International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka (ICCSL)
- Joint Apparel Association Forum Sri Lanka (JAAF)
- National Chamber of Exporters (NCE)
- Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters’ Association (SLEA)
- Sri Lanka Logistics & Freight Forwarders’ Association (SLFFA)
- Sri Lanka Logistics Providers’ Association (SLPA)
- Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council
- Sugar Importers Association
- The European Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (ECCSL)
- The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL)
- Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC)
Conclusion
The joint statement reflects the private sector’s commitment to working with the government to resolve the container crisis and restore the efficiency of the Colombo Port. The proposed measures, if implemented promptly, could significantly reduce delays, boost trade, and reinforce Sri Lanka’s position as a key logistics hub in the region. The government’s response to these recommendations will be closely watched by stakeholders across the economy.
