Several additional locations have been introduced at the Colombo Port for container storage.
As a result, the congestion of containers on shipments has now been reduced. Sri Lanka Customs reported that 472 containers were cleared from the main yard. According to Customs, a total of 547 containers were cleared from the port. As a result, a significant number of containers that were stuck in the port were able to be cleared within a span of 24 hours.
Sri Lanka Customs announced that it has rolled out a special program aimed at resolving container clearance delays at the Colombo Port, following directives from Sri Lankan President. The move comes amidst growing concerns over congestion at the port’s terminals, which is affecting the smooth flow of cargo operations. As part of the initiative, 459 containers were cleared from the Colombo Port, with an additional 242 containers released from the RCT and Grayline 1 and 2 yards after completing inspections.
Although the Customs has the capacity to process around 500 containers daily, the actual number cleared has been consistently lower due to reduced attendance by clearance agents and lorry drivers. Despite efforts to expedite the process, significant backlogs remain.
Around 496 containers were still awaiting transfer to inspection yards despite gate permits being issued. Adding to the congestion, 603 containers that have already been cleared by Customs remain uncollected by importers and their agents, exacerbating the shortage of space at the port’s container terminals.
