Chairman of the Vehicle Importers Association of Lanka (VIAL), Indika Sampath Merenchige, says more than 10,000 vehicles remain stuck at Sri Lankan ports due to clearance delays and documentation issues.
He said 8,726 vehicles have been held at ports within 45 days since August 15, while another 751 vehicles have been stuck for over 45 days since February 1, 2025. In addition, about 200 vehicles imported before February 1 this year, remain uncleared at Hambantota Port, according to data obtained from the Hambantota Port administration, he said.
Merenchige noted that Customs officials informed him they cleared 450 entries last Friday (August 15), which translates to about 600–700 vehicles, as each entry may include multiple vehicles.
He added that on August 18, Customs was expected to clear around 500 entries, meaning roughly 2,000 vehicles were being released after delays.
“Despite this, about 5,000 vehicles remain stuck at Customs for the past 45 days, and another 5,000 vehicles are expected to arrive soon,” he said.
Merenchige further warned that officials had indicated they may be forced to request Japanese freight services to halt vehicle shipments to Hambantota Port due to transshipment issues.
According to VIAL’s data, approximately 1,000 vehicles are stuck at Colombo Port, while around 10,000 are held at Hambantota Port.
He cautioned that growing demurrage costs will ultimately burden the public, blaming the crisis on the government’s failure to adopt proper policies, particularly regarding cross-border letters of credit. (Newswire)