Sri Lanka Customs says the congestion reported at the Colombo Port was due to a delay in the clearance of the government-approved imported salt.
Addressing the media, Additional Director General of Customs, Seevali Arukgoda, acknowledged congestion at the Port, stating that several containers of imported salt were brought down in a short period.
“Generally, we receive around 1200 containers per day. But last week we got between 2400-2500 containers per day, which were mostly imported salt,” he said.
Arukgoda explained that the inspection of these containers had caused a slight congestion and delay in clearance at the Colombo Port.
“We grant clearance to these food items only after conducting the necessary checks and tests. Food items are subjected to tests by the Sri Lanka Standards Institute and food analysts, and are only released upon their approval. Especially, imported salt must undergo a quality check. A few days of delay may occur to obtain the report and receive the approval of the Sri Lanka Standards Institute for clearance,” he said.
Arukgoda clarified that the congestion at the Colombo Port had been caused due to this delay, adding that it had only resulted in a day or two of delay, and not weeks or months.
He further said that Sri Lanka Customs was continuing the clearance of these containers, focusing on quick clearance and ensuring the suitability for human consumption.
The Additional Director General of Customs assured that the congestion will be eased and normalised in the next two or three days. (Newswire)