Sri Lanka’s export competitiveness faces hidden logistics costs, border delays and outdated rules, the Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council warns.
Sri Lanka’s export competitiveness is being weakened not only by global demand and international competition, but also by costly inefficiencies within the country’s own trade system.
The Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council (SLSC) has warned that hidden logistics charges, lengthy border delays and outdated regulations continue to erode the country’s ability to compete, despite repeated calls for reform.
Addressing the Council’s 60th anniversary celebrations and 56th Annual General Meeting, Chairman Trisherman Frink said unnecessary logistics expenses remain among the biggest obstacles facing Sri Lankan businesses in global markets.
“Our vision is simple yet powerful to enhance the competitiveness of our members by abolishing hidden logistics costs,” Frink said.
He argued that every avoidable border delay, inefficient administrative process, outdated regulation and unjustified surcharge directly increases the cost of doing business.
Hidden Costs Undermine Sri Lanka’s Export Competitiveness
The warning comes as global supply chains change rapidly. Many countries are investing heavily in digital trade systems and faster customs procedures.
Sri Lanka, however, continues to struggle with repeated documentation, excessive paperwork, slow cargo clearance and long container dwell times. Together, these problems raise the overall cost of trade.
Industry observers say the impact spreads across every part of the supply chain. Exporters face delays when delivering goods to overseas buyers. Importers must pay additional storage and handling charges.
Consumers ultimately absorb many of those extra costs through higher prices. As a result, Sri Lanka becomes less attractive as a regional trade and logistics hub.
Frink stressed that the Council does not seek to assign blame. Instead, it wants to develop practical solutions through cooperation with key public institutions.
During the past year, the SLSC strengthened engagement with Sri Lanka Customs, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, the Board of Investment and the Merchant Shipping Secretariat.
It also worked with the Export Development Board, Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) and the Asian Development Bank.
According to the Council, continuous dialogue with regulators has become essential. International trade now depends not only on product quality, but also on the speed, predictability, efficiency and affordability of moving goods across borders.
Council Pushes Digital Reform and Global Cooperation
The SLSC has also expanded its international engagement through the Asian Shippers’ Alliance and the Global Shippers’ Alliance.
These partnerships allow Sri Lanka to monitor global trade developments while representing the interests of local shippers at international forums.
Looking ahead, the Council has identified several priorities. These include accelerating digital trade facilitation, supporting policy reforms, removing unnecessary logistics barriers and adopting international best practices through closer cooperation with global partners.
Frink said meaningful reform requires a shared commitment from Government agencies, regulators, ports, shipping lines, logistics providers, exporters and importers.
Neighbouring countries continue to modernise their trade systems and improve logistics performance. Therefore, Sri Lanka faces growing pressure to remove longstanding bottlenecks.
Without broad reforms, industry leaders warn that hidden costs and administrative inefficiencies will continue damaging Sri Lanka’s export competitiveness. They could also discourage future investment in the country’s trade sector.
