More than 300 container trucks loaded with cargo have been parked inside the Colombo Port for several days, raising concerns about potential disruptions to essential supplies, the Container Transport Vehicle Owners’ Association said Monday (15).
The congestion has been triggered by an influx of relief shipments following a recent disaster, combined with a seasonal rise in imports ahead of upcoming festivities, according to the association’s chairman, Sanath Manjula.
While customs clearance of container cargo is continuing, a significant number of trucks remain stranded within port premises, Manjula said.
He warned that the situation could deteriorate further in the coming days if authorities fail to introduce a systematic mechanism to speed up clearance and movement.
Manjula said transporters have repeatedly appealed to relevant agencies for relief, but alleged that no effective or even temporary measures have been implemented to ease congestion.
With large volumes of essential food items arriving daily, the association urged the government to act swiftly to prevent supply chain disruptions and avert a potential food shortage.
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