More than 10,000 vehicles remain stranded at Sri Lanka’s ports due to significant delays in clearance and documentation, the Chairman of the Vehicle Importers Association of Lanka (VIAL), Indika Sampath Merenchige, has revealed.
Since August 15, 8,726 vehicles have been held for less than 45 days, while another 751 vehicles have been stuck for over 45 days, dating back to February 1.
Around 200 vehicles imported before February 1 are still uncleared at the Hambantota Port.
Despite Customs officials accelerating clearance efforts by releasing approximately 2,000 vehicles between August 15 and 18, about 5,000 vehicles remain delayed.
A further 5,000 vehicles are expected to arrive shortly.
The bulk of the backlog is at Hambantota Port, where about 10,000 vehicles are awaiting clearance, compared to roughly 1,000 at Colombo Port.
Merenchige warned that mounting demurrage charges will eventually be passed on to consumers.
He blamed the crisis on the government’s failure to enforce effective policies, particularly relating to cross-border letters of credit.
He also indicated that officials may soon request a suspension of vehicle shipments from Japan to Hambantota Port due to ongoing transshipment complications.
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