The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, thank you for the time. As we discuss the economy, let me briefly clarify a pressing matter reported in today’s “Lankadeepa”: “About 700 vehicles stuck in the port due to Gazette issues.” We obtained a report from the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA). According to current information, imported vehicles are parked at the Guide Pier and Unity Container Terminal. As of 10.00 a.m. today, about 4,020 vehicles are parked.

¶ 02 None are held due to SLPA service charges or yard facility issues. The matter relates to Customs procedures—relevant Gazettes, processes and updates. Vehicle models evolve rapidly; sometimes regulations lag. Therefore, Sri Lanka Customs, the Controller General of Imports and Exports and the Attorney General’s Department are discussing solutions. Although Customs operates within the Port, it is not under SLPA control; this needs to be understood.

¶ 03 We have been informed that a resolution is likely today. Colombo Port is among the world’s top in ship operations and container clearance. Disruptions can occur, especially with global tensions like the Iran–Israel conflict, but we can and will resolve and move forward.

¶ 04 On that conflict: the House earlier could not take up the requested debate because the proposing Member was absent at the time. I note, however, that Israel has for months struck Iranian diplomatic facilities and senior military and political figures, violating Iran’s sovereignty, alongside the genocidal campaign in Gaza against Palestinians. The current Iran–Israel confrontation must be viewed in that wider context.