The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, the answer is as follows:

¶ 02 (a) (i) “Releasing containers” refers to the release of import containers from the Port of Colombo. There is presently no congestion or problematic situation regarding the release of import containers. However, due to a rapid increase in capacity for export (re-export) containers across all terminals, a problematic situation has arisen relating to inter-terminal trucking of export containers.

¶ 03 (ii) The Chamber of Commerce, by a communication to leading maritime supply companies and to the Ministry of Finance, Procurement and Economic Development, has expressed concern over inefficiencies in cargo clearance and proposed several measures, including: - Reactivation of the Speed Clearance Committee; - Implementation of scanning and screening systems on a 24/7 basis; - Expansion of the Green Channel for trusted traders/vessels; - Increasing clearance capacity at the RCT terminal; and - Publishing clearance delays attributable to agencies via a KPI dashboard.

¶ 04 All these pertain to measures under Sri Lanka Customs, and I respond in a coordinated context.

¶ 05 These recommendations are being considered, and decisive steps have already been taken by the Government and the wider port community. Key actions:

¶ 06 1) Reactivating the Speedy Clearance Committee — commenced last year under a Cabinet Subcommittee.

¶ 07 2) Strengthening scanning and screening systems — extended operating hours beyond standard limits, moving to a 24-hour coverage; enhanced data sharing to enable batch clearance and minimize duplicate inspections.

¶ 08 3) Expanding the Green Channel — risk profiling importers to extend Green Channel access to low-risk cargo, reducing clearance congestion and enabling benefits for trusted traders.

¶ 09 4) Increasing capacity at RCT and related facilities — deploying additional staff, extending operational hours, and improving inspection facilities. Some facilities are under private operators and had staffing deficits; corrective measures are underway. These interventions have already expedited clearances.

¶ 10 5) Oversight and accountability — this is a shared responsibility. A series of recommendations has been issued through the Cabinet Subcommittee and are under implementation. For example: - Inter-terminal trucking was largely concentrated with one operator; we have opened it to more operators to prevent monopolistic control. - To reduce in-port congestion from inspections by other government agencies (e.g., Health/Quarantine, Standards), we established a separate Customs inspection bay at a Blue Mandal off-dock location; Customs has not yet operationalized it, but it is available if required. - A real-time dashboard for port operations has been introduced. - Private sector practices also contribute to delays, such as not clearing containers on Fridays or not moving cleared containers out of the port, and limited banking operations on Saturdays/Sundays. Directions have been issued to address these.

¶ 11 Additional factors include delays in completing the East Container Terminal due to past corruption, and incomplete digitalization at Customs. We have increased night-shift staffing at Quarantine/Health since May–June, yielding progress. Regional disruptions in the Middle East have increased arrivals and contributed to pressure.

¶ 12 While congestion has eased, risks may recur, particularly around December–January. We are planning accordingly.

¶ 13 (c) Not applicable.