Sri Lanka Ports Authority and SL Customs meet to resolve industry issues

A landmark joint meeting to discuss a number of maritime industry related issues was held recently, initiated by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) and Sri Lanka Customs (SLC) with the members of the Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents (CASA) and members of Sri Lanka Association of Vessel Operators (SLAVO). The meeting is also recorded the first of its kind in the history of the maritime industry in Sri Lanka.

The meeting was co-chaired by SLPA Chairman Dr. Parakrama Dissanayake and SLC Director General P.S.M. Charles, with the participation of officials of the Sri Lanka Customs(SLC), SLPA, members of the CASA and SLAVO. The meeting was organised on advice by Minister of Ports and Shipping Mahinda Samarasinghe towards the importance of resolving issues of the maritime industry in Sri Lanka. 

The meeting brought forward a number of issues that were discussed pertaining to the Anti-Corruption and Zero Tolerance Policy, detained containers, introducing a digital signature and electronic delivery order system.

At present, the Management Committee of Sri Lanka Ports Authority has approved the zero tolerance policy and this has also been endorsed by the Board of Directors of the institution. At a recent discussion, CASA, also stakeholders and SLC have also agreed to follow the zero tolerance policy and the related authorities also expected to issue formal letters regarding this. 

It was noted that due to several factors such as lack of exporter details or non-presence of the exporter and forged documentation, containers have been detained by relevant authorities for further investigation. A joint decision was reached at the meeting to establish a committee comprising of officials of SLPA, SLC, CASA and SLAVO to look into the matter. The committee will submit a report on existing issues with recommendations and suggestions to resolve the matter. 

It was informed by DG Customs that regulations will be gazetted for paperless documentation.

A committee was also appointed comprising of officials of SLPA, SLC and CASA to ensure the matter of resolving issues pertaining to implementation ofdigital signature andelectronic deliveryorder systems. 

Dr.Parakrama Dissanayake expressed gratitude to the Director General of Customs, the Additional Director Generaland all officials of Sri Lanka Customs for attending the meeting to discuss the longstanding issues. He also specially mentioned and thanked the members of CASA and SLAVO for the tremendous contribution made by them towards the productivity of SLPA.