Industry coalition urges immediate action on port congestion

A coalition of 29 joint chambers and associations has proposed urgent measures to address the worsening port congestion at Colombo Port, warning of its significant economic impact.

The coalition, consisting of key trade, maritime, and logistics associations, emphasized the severe consequences of the congestion, including shipping delays, missed export opportunities, and rising processing costs.

Exporters are struggling with supply chain disruptions, affecting their global competitiveness and eroding foreign buyer confidence in Sri Lanka. Reports indicate that some ships are now bypassing Colombo in favor of more efficient regional ports, risking a permanent loss of container traffic.

The crisis has also led to higher freight rates, increased costs for freight forwarders and shipping lines, and financial losses for importers and transporters. These factors are driving up the prices of essential goods and contributing to a rising cost of living for Sri Lankans.

The manufacturing sector is particularly affected due to material shortages, further threatening Colombo’s status as a key transshipment hub and posing a serious risk to the overall economy.

The joint chambers and associations have outlined a series of recommendations for the government to address these pressing concerns:

Short-term (within the next two weeks):

1. Empower 24/7 operations for screening units to streamline container processing and incorporate other border agencies to fast-track approvals.

2. Utilize existing data on importers to identify low-risk cargo and expand the exemption facility.

3. Allow low-risk cargo to bypass excessive inspections.

4. Correct duplicating HS codes and streamline approvals based on prior clearances.

5. Establish a public-private committee to fast-track clearance processes.

6.  Increase staff and extend working hours to resolve congestion.

Medium-term (within the next 3-6 months):

1. Utilize underutilized container yards near Colombo Port.

2. Prioritize end-to-end digitalization of customs processes and approvals.

3. Rehire experienced retired customs officials to improve operational efficiency.

4. Introduce a framework for monitoring implementation and holding parties accountable.

5. Facilitate faster clearance by expanding the program.

The coalition urges the government to swiftly consider these recommendations and engage in their speedy implementation to alleviate the port congestion crisis and support economic growth.


The above recommendations are proposed by the following Chambers and Associations:

1. The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC)

2. American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka (AMCHAM)

3. Association of Clearing & Forwarding Agents (ACFA)

4. Association of Container Transporters’ (ACT)

5. Association of Inland Container Depot Operators (ACDO)

6. Association of NVOCC Agents (SLANA)

7. Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents (CASA)

8. Ceylon Freight and Logistics Association (CEYFFA)

9. Ceylon National Chamber of Industries (CNCI)

10. CHA Traders Association

11. Chamber of Construction Industry of Sri Lanka (CCI)

12. Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE)

13. Container Transport Owners’ Association (CTOA)

14. Customs House Agents and Wharf Assistants Association (CHAWAA)

15. Essential Food Commodities Importers & Traders Association (EFCITA)

16. Exporters Association of Sri Lanka (EASL)

17. Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL)

18. Imports Section of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce

19. International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka (ICCSL)

20. Joint Apparel Association Forum Sri Lanka (JAAF)

21. National Chamber of Exporters (NCE)

22. Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters’ Association (SLEA)

23. Sri Lanka Logistics & Freight Forwarders’ Association (SLFFA)

24. Sri Lanka Logistics Providers’ Association (SLPA)

25. Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council

26. Sugar Importers Association

27. The European Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (ECCSL)

28. The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL)

29. Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC)

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