Govt. decides to release 950 containers stuck at Colombo Port

• Ports Minister Nimal Siripala to submit Cabinet paper to release boxes without paying demurrage penalties
• A total of 79 containers with 100,000 tons of rice among the boxes

The Government has decided to release around 950 containers stuck at the Colombo Port without paying demurrage penalties following a meeting between Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya and Ports and Shipping Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva.

A decision was made by Minister de Silva to release to containers without charging demurrage penalties and the required proposal would be submitted to Cabinet, a statement issued by the Finance, Economic Stabilisation and National Policies noted.

It added that among the containers are 79 containers with 100,000 tons of rice, whilst noting that clearing of the boxes will reduce congestion in the yards at Colombo Port. In addition to rice there were consignments of arecanut and turmeric, the statement added. 

Ports Ministry Secretary K.D.S. Ruwanchandra and Customs Director General P.B.S.C. Nonis also attended the meeting.