CASA meets with Sri Lanka Customs and Department of Immigration and Emigration

The Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents (CASA) met with Sri Lanka Customs (SLC) on 17 November to discuss important matters relating to the shipping industry. Representatives of CASA expressed their support on various initiatives taken by Sri Lanka Customs particularly in improving ‘ease of doing business’ and ‘trade facilitation.

Many initiatives to automate current processes such as electronic vessel port clearance, issuance of Electronic Delivery Orders and Electronic Cargo Dispatch notes were discussed to streamline current processes and improve ‘Ease of Doing Business’. Welcoming these suggestions the Director General of Customs suggested that CASA should work with the IT division of Customs to implement these initiatives. 

CASA also assured SLC that they are for compliance and would not condone any violations of law by any shipping agent and also expressed their appreciation for the initiatives taken by SLC to facilitate trade

CASA also met with the Department of Immigration and Emigration on 27 November to discuss general matters related to the industry and more particularly with regard to handling passengers on cruise vessels. It was highlighted that cruise ship arrivals have recorded a steady growth and some cruise vessels carry over 2000 passengers to Colombo. Besides these vessels are in Colombo for a short port stay and during this time passengers need to be able to go out on excursions and return in time for sailing. A streamlined, speedy, electronic procedure for recording arrivals and departures was suggested by CASA. They expressed their willingness to work with the Department of Immigration and Emigration towards this end and would do its utmost to create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for passenger vessels with a view to supporting the Government’s objectives of growing the tourist industry through increased passenger cruise vessel calls in Sri Lanka.