13 May 2020 12:01 am
By Indika Sri Aravinda
The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) has decided to charge a late fee to clear containers stuck at the Colombo Port.
Several containers remained stuck at the Colombo port after strict curfew was in force in Colombo.
Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Additional Managing Director Upali De Zoysa told the Daily Mirror that the concessionary period granted by the government to clear the containers had expired on May 7 and a late fee would now be charged.
It has been suggested to double the charges if late fees were not paid within eight days, he said.
He further said that there were already around 15,000 containers and about 500 imported vehicles at the port. These containers had hindered port operations and therefore these containers should be cleared as soon as possible, he added.
The containers had been placed at the Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT), Jaya Container Terminal (JCT) and South Asia Gateway Terminals Ltd. (SAGT).
Among the items in the containers are perishables, electrical items, vehicles and vehicle spare parts imported by individuals and others.