Ravi K claims private sector in state of ‘culture shock’

3 April 2015 06:17 am - 0 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

By Chandeepa Wettasinghe
The private sector is in a state of “culture shock” and not utilizing the newly established 24/7 Customs clearance facility, according to the Finance Minister was speaking at a forum organized by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Import Section yesterday.

“You’re having a culture shock. You talk of Singapore. We brought Singapore here. Make use of it,” Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake said.

Meanwhile, the globally benchmarked ASYCUDA World electronic customs clearance and payment system has also been implemented by the Customs.
“You (importers) need to change. You have been given the opportunity. You have been given the technology you asked. Some in the private sector can’t handle paperless procedures. Before thinking of increasing transshipments to India, you need to use these systems, because some transshipments need to be processed within 24 hours,” Karunanayake added.

The 24/7 service was launched on February 1, and yet 35 percent of the cargo is still being cleared after 5 days, according to data from the Customs Department. Ports Authority representatives said that this is due to the extremely low cost of storage inside the port, and weekends not being considered for demurrage.

Karunanayake expressed that the Ministry is open to all avenues in making importers clear goods at least within 48 hours.

“I would love to double the charge. Let’s raise the tariffs. Let’s make Saturday and Sunday demurrage days too,” he claimed.

However, the importers claimed that shipments with less-than container loads (LCL) take over a week to process due to technical restraints of the Ports Authority.

The representatives in reply pledged to requisition more equipment to clear LCLs within 48 hours as well.

Customs Department Director General Jagath Wijeweera said that the 24/7 service would also be extended to air freight, since the importers complained that despite paying a premium to fly cargo within hours, cargo clearance takes days.

Karunanayke, when he was the Trade and Commerce Minister in 2001-2004 United National Party government, made the Cooperative Wholesale Establishment under his ministry 24/7. But the exercise ultimately proved unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, MirrorBusiness learnt that the Customs has continued to accrue daily revenue exceeding Rs.2 billion for the third consecutive month, an unprecedented feat, driven by increased taxes on cars implemented in the interim budget.

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 0

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Ravi K claims private sector in state of ‘culture shock’

Comments - 0

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Most Viewed in News

Racing event tragedy leaves seven dead including eight-year-old child

SL on alert on possible genocide allegations by Canada

Gota fires back at Cardinal, rebuts allegations

Street food vendor arrested for verbally harassing foreigner

Ranil Wickremesinghe caravan moves on despite barking dogs

Sri Lankan among NASA’s new crew for next simulated Mars journey

MIRROR CRICKET

Is Chamari Athapaththu Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketer ever?

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Foreign powers intensify surveillance on Presidential elections as strategic interests take centre stage

New uterine loop for monkey birth control

Sajith avoids reception hosted for Iranian President

Do not be afraid to use weapons, Minister Alles tells police

Dates confirmed for 78th Bradby Shield

SLAS appoints independent committee for investigation

Pakistan lose key players for last two T20Is against New Zealand

Is Chamari Athapaththu Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketer ever?