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Over 2,000 vehicles stuck at ports amid import dispute
By Vimukthi S Rodrigo
Colombo, August 5 (Daily Mirror) - More than 2,000 newly imported vehicles remain stuck at the Colombo and Hambantota ports for over two months, causing serious logistical challenges for unloading additional shipments, informed sources revealed.
A ship carrying a fresh batch of vehicles that recently arrived at the Hambantota Port was reportedly forced to remain docked for several days due to a lack of space caused by the backlog.
According to customs sources, over 1,000 of these vehicles are being held due to the non-release of Japanese vehicles imported using bank Letters of Credit (LCs) opened through third-party countries. The issue, which emerged on May 27, remains unresolved, prompting several importers to file legal action over the government’s failure to provide a clear policy response.
Sources also said that demurrage charges on these vehicles have now reached unsustainable levels. For a single vehicle, charges are said to have increased as high as Rs. 500,000. The court is scheduled to take up the case related to the matter today.
Vehicle importers warn that the accumulated demurrage fees will likely be added to the total import costs, which could result in a noticeable increase in vehicle prices in the local market once the vehicles are released.
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