Business Chambers call for Immediate Action to Address Colombo Port Congestion

Sri Lankan business chambers and trade associations have called for urgent action to address congestion at the Colombo Port, which is causing significant delays, rising costs and reducing the competitiveness of exporters. They warn that ships are bypassing Colombo for more efficient neighbouring ports, which could lead to long-term losses in container volumes and higher freight rates.

The groups have proposed several short- and medium-term solutions to address the crisis. Immediate measures include implementing 24/7 scanning and screening systems, expanding the green channel for low-risk goods, speeding up approvals for Authorised Economic Operators (AEOs) and reconvening a committee to streamline clearance processes. In the medium term, they suggest expanding container yard capacity, digitising operations and improving manpower and accountability.

Chambers and associations proposing the recommendations

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC)
American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka (AMCHAM)
Association of Clearing & Forwarding Agents (ACFA)
Association of Container Transporters’ (ACT)
Association of Inland Container Depot Operators (ACDO)
Association of NVOCC Agents (SLANA)
Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents (CASA)
Ceylon Freight and Logistics Association (CEYFFA)
Ceylon National Chamber of Industries (CNCI)
CHA Traders Association
Chamber of Construction Industry of Sri Lanka (CCI)
Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE)
Container Transport Owners’ Association (CTOA)
Customs House Agents and Wharf Assistants Association (CHAWAA)
Essential Food Commodities Importers & Traders Association (EFCITA)
Exporters Association of Sri Lanka (EASL)
Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL)
Imports Section of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce
International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka (ICCSL)
Joint Apparel Association Forum Sri Lanka (JAAF)
National Chamber of Exporters (NCE)
Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters’ Association (SLEA)
Sri Lanka Logistics & Freight Forwarders’ Association (SLFFA)
Sri Lanka Logistics Providers’ Association (SLPA)
Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council
Sugar Importers Association
The European Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (ECCSL)
The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL)
Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC)