Importers in Sri Lanka allege they are being forced to face additional expenses exceeding Rs. 100 million, due to delays in releasing over 1,000 containers at the Colombo Port.
Major importers state they are incurring costs of over Rs. 100,000 per container, with some facing expenses as high as Rs. 300,000, due to increased transportation charges, port delay fees, and additional staffing needs.
They further revealed that the delayed containers consist of essential food items, raw materials, and other critical goods.
They claimed that the delay in clearing the containers poses the risk of an increase in the prices of goods and that importers will be forced to pass the added costs to consumers.
Pointing out that this financial burden was beyond their control, the importers alleged that the delays were caused due to inefficiencies at the Colombo Port. (Newswire)