Only one container intended for unloading at Colombo port: Minister

• Says other containers bound for other countries, China is the final destination  
• Strict customs inspections precede any unloading activity

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama  

Only one container out of the 56 containers listed as  dangerous cargo on board the ‘Dali’ cargo vessel that collided with the  Baltimore Bridge in US recently, intended for unloading at the Colombo  port, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said yesterday.  
The minister said this in response to ongoing speculation,  noting that the vessel’s Sri Lankan agent had formally communicated this  detail to the relevant authorities.   Minister de Silva emphasized that out of the 56 containers  listed as dangerous cargo, destined for re-export to another country,  the Colombo Port was not the final stop for the vessel. 

‘‘The ultimate  destination for the ship is China, yet there have been mistaken reports  indicating otherwise,” he said.  
Concerns regarding the undisclosed contents of the  container set for unloading in Colombo, the minister said that in  accordance with international maritime regulations, detailed shipment  declarations are typically made two days prior to reaching the port.  Moreover, strict customs inspections precede any unloading activity,  ensuring transparency and safety protocols are firmly in place.  
Minister de Silva clarified that vessels like the ‘Dali’  carry both general and dangerous cargo, and rejecting ships solely based  on the presence of dangerous cargo is not a viable solution. The  adherence to established procedures and thorough customs checks  guarantee the proper handling of all goods on board before any further  actions are taken.