13,000 Containers Stuck as Colombo Port Crisis Drags On

Over 13,000 containers remain congested at the Port of Colombo, despite a high-level meeting held yesterday involving the Ports Minister, Customs officials, Sri Lanka Ports Authority management, and trade stakeholders.

The meeting discussed several proposals, including converting a newly constructed parking yard into an additional Customs examination bay and temporarily relocating containers awaiting Other Government Agency approvals. Operational issues such as delivery order delays and outdated SMS notification systems were also raised.

Trade representatives urged authorities to allow outside-panel examinations at consignees’ warehouses to expedite clearance until congestion eases. However, no concrete or time-bound decisions were reached.

The CHA Traders Association expressed disappointment, noting that the meeting largely repeated discussions held over several years without delivering solutions. Industry stakeholders warned that prolonged congestion threatens trade efficiency at a time when Sri Lanka urgently requires a reliable and competitive port service to support economic recovery.

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