A high-level discussion was held on 20 December under the patronage of Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Mr. Anura Karunathilaka, with relevant institutions and stakeholders to address the congestion of import, export, and re-export containers that typically arises at the end of the year.
As a short-term measure, the Ports Authority directed containers to the newly established Bloemendal yard, with operations conducted under full supervision of the Customs Department. Customs clearance activities were also accelerated to ensure smoother movement of goods.
During a follow-up discussion today (23 December), Minister Karunathilaka reviewed the progress of these measures. Deputy Minister Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku, Deputy Minister of Economic Development Nishantha Jayaweera, and Ministry Secretary Mr. W.W.S. Mangala attended the meeting. Key participants included Customs Director General Mr. Seevali Arukgoda and senior officers from the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, along with representatives from container operations and transportation service providers, who shared suggestions to reduce congestion.
The Minister instructed the Customs Department to implement immediately any feasible proposals. Following the discussion, the Ministers and officials visited the Bloemendal yard to inspect facilities and operational conditions, urging authorities to provide the necessary resources and expedite container handling operations.
