By unusuma.lk on (LK time)
Sri Lanka Customs has implemented a unique scheme to expedite container clearance in response to persistent delays at the Colombo Port.
According to a statement by Customs Media Spokesman Seevali Arukgoda, the initiative was started per the president’s directive.
242 containers that were inspected and released from the RCT, Greyline 1, and Greyline 2 yards yesterday were among the 459 containers that were cleared.
Authorities claim that slower clearance rates are the result of a lack of clearing agents and truck drivers, notwithstanding Customs’ ability to process about 500 containers each day.
Despite the fact that door permits had previously been granted, 496 containers were still at the port pending clearance. These containers have not yet been inspected this morning at the assigned yards.
The problem is made worse by the fact that 603 more containers that Customs had cleared are still waiting to be picked up at the port.
As a result, importers’ and their agents’ failure to collect is causing serious storage problems and port terminal congestion.
Even though today is a national holiday, Sri Lanka Customs and other pertinent governmental agencies are still in action to address these problems.
The continuous endeavors are concentrated on reducing the strain on storage capacity and accelerating the container clearance procedure.
According to officials, the project is essential to clearing the backlog, reducing traffic, and enhancing port operations’ effectiveness.
