<ul><li>Daily supply raised to 1,500 MT</li><li>25,000 MT secured, stock in Maldives</li><li>Over 635,000 cylinders released this week&nbsp;</li></ul> Litro Gas Lanka Ltd. is working with the Ministry of Trade to establish an emergency mechanism to manage future Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) supply disruptions, alongside long-term plans to strengthen storage capacity.Litro Chairman Channa Gunawardana told The Sunday Morning that the current supplier, Swiss-based Geogas, was the only source even for the additional quantities required to stabilise the market.According to him, Geogas has already procured around 25,000 MT from the US and has the stock positioned at a vessel stationed in the Maldives.“It is easier for us to bring in even smaller, urgent quantities directly from them, rather than buying from another supplier. There might be occasional delays of a day, but the Maldives-based stock reduces the risk of prolonged shortages as it is available in the region,” he said.Last week, an alleged sudden demand spike claimed by the Government and Litro raised public concerns over a potential shortage.According to the Government, the shortage stemmed from alleged operational delays by LAUGFS Gas PLC, driving consumers toward Litro Gas.Trade Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe, addressing the situation in Parliament and clarifying the domestic supply chain, said: “There is no actual LPG shortage, but panic buying has caused difficulties due to supply delays by LAUGFS Gas. LAUGFS supply stopped for several days, causing consumers to shift to Litro, which in turn created a shortage at Litro. This problem developed over the past two weeks after LAUGFS suspended its distribution.”He also detailed the Government’s response to stabilise the market: “We have increased the daily supply of Litro Gas from 1,200 MT to 1,500 MT. We currently hold sufficient stocks for three days, with two more shipments due on Sunday and Tuesday. A LAUGFS Gas shipment is also expected on 25 February. LAUGFS has been warned to maintain continuous distribution without failing consumers,” Samarasinghe added.When contacted by The Sunday Morning, Litro Chairman Gunawardana confirmed the sudden surge in daily requirements.“Our normal daily demand of 1,100 MT to 1,200 MT has surged to between 1,500 MT and 1,600 MT because people shifted to Litro when LAUGFS was unavailable. While we could not adjust immediately, we have taken necessary action. Cylinders are now entering the market consistently and the situation will soon settle,” Gunawardana stated.To mitigate the shortage, Litro Gas distributed 284,000 domestic refill cylinders on Tuesday (17) and Wednesday (18) and is planning to issue a further 351,000 cylinders by the end of the week.“Three incoming vessels will deliver approximately 11,000 MT. Our total requirement for this month is 28,000 MT, but we will receive a surplus, bringing the total to about 29,000 MT,” Gunawardana explained.He clarified that as household demand made up the majority of consumption, the extra cylinders being brought primarily consisted of domestic market cylinders, including widely used 12.5 kg units.Market dynamics were also influenced by recent pricing variations. Earlier in February, LAUGFS Gas increased the price of its 12.5 kg cylinder to Rs. 4,330, while Litro Gas maintained its price at Rs. 3,690.“Our lower price could indeed be a contributing factor. However, as a State company, our responsibility is to provide gas at an affordable price, so we maintain it as much as possible. We cannot increase the price simply to reduce demand. While pricing may have a slight impact, the primary reason for this spike is the unavailability of LAUGFS Gas,” Gunawardana acknowledged.Addressing speculations about Litro Gas changing its long-time supplier OQ Trading to Swiss-based Geogas, Gunawardana dismissed the claims: “This situation has nothing to do with our new supplier. Regardless of the supplier, we receive a vessel every three days. When local demand suddenly spikes, we cannot secure an extra vessel within 24 hours. It naturally takes a couple of days. Such minor delays have happened in previous years as well.”“We have a long-term expansion plan rolling out in the coming months, which we have been working on since January. The Trade Minister is constantly in touch with us regarding contingency plans. Consequently, we have ordered an excess quantity of 38,000 MT for March to ensure we can fully serve the market if any issues arise,” he added.

LPG supply: Litro banks on Swiss supplier for emergency LPG

<ul><li>Aims to ensure domestic regulatory oversight</li></ul>The Government is preparing to introduce a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework specifically targeting virtual assets, including cryptocurrencies and stablecoins, according to the Ministry of Digital Economy.This initiative aims to address the significant legal vacuum that currently exists within the digital financial sector, which has increasingly left citizens vulnerable to sophisticated online scams and financial fraud.As the adoption of decentralised digital currencies grows globally, local authorities have recognised the urgent need to establish oversight mechanisms to protect consumers and maintain the integrity of the national financial system.Currently, transactions involving virtual assets operate without formalised monitoring or regulatory compliance in Sri Lanka. This lack of oversight has created an environment susceptible to illicit activities.Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne detailed the Government’s strategic response to this growing challenge and outlined the foundational steps of the upcoming legislation.“We are going to introduce a regulatory framework for virtual assets. Currently, virtual assets such as cryptocurrencies and stablecoins lack a proper legal structure. Due to this absence of a legal framework, there is no monitoring or regulation, which has led to a lot of scamming and various wrongful activities.&nbsp;“Therefore, we will introduce a legal framework to first identify and register all virtual asset service providers in the country. Thereafter, the framework will identify virtual assets as a distinct class and establish regulations on how they should operate,” Weeraratne told The Sunday Morning.The proposed legislation is said to systematically classify virtual assets and establish clear operational guidelines for entities providing services related to these digital currencies. A primary focus of the framework will be the mandatory registration of all virtual asset service providers operating within the country.&nbsp;By mandating registration, the Government intends to bring these entities under the purview of national financial authorities, thereby ensuring accountability and transparency in their operations, it is learnt.Furthermore, it is important to distinguish this upcoming virtual asset legislation from other ongoing digital security reforms. The Government is concurrently advancing a separate Cyber Security Bill; however, the regulation of digital currencies requires a distinct approach tailored to financial compliance rather than purely technical network defence. Weeraratne clarified the operational boundaries between these two distinct legislative efforts.“It is a different initiative. The Cyber Security Bill focuses on the security aspect. The virtual asset framework is designed specifically to identify virtual assets and establish a legal structure. It will regulate service providers and establish necessary information requirements, such as travel rules,” Weeraratne clarified.The inclusion of mechanisms similar to travel rules indicates a commitment to aligning Sri Lanka’s digital financial regulations with international anti-money laundering standards. Establishing this regulatory architecture is a priority for the digital economy sector, as it is a necessary precursor to integrating digital financial innovations into the broader national economy safely.&nbsp;Regarding the timeline for the implementation of these new regulations, Weeraratne provided a clear operational target for the Government. “The target is to develop the regulatory framework and enact the legal framework within this year,” he said.

Virtual assets: Sri Lanka moves to regulate crypto

<ul><li>Process to conclude by around August&nbsp;</li></ul> Sri Lanka has completed the technical evaluations for the proposed Terminal 2 at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) and handed them over to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), with the process expected to conclude by around August this year, according to the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation.&nbsp;&nbsp;When contacted by The Sunday Morning, Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku stated that after the current Government had assumed office, discussions with JICA had been conducted and tenders had been called for the project with two Japanese contractors having submitted bids.“We have completed the technical evaluations and handed them over to JICA. The process is ongoing and should be finished by the middle of this year, around August,” he said.Initially, the contract for the BIA Terminal 2 project – valued at $ 564 million – was awarded to the Taisei Corporation in 2020. However, after construction work had been suspended due to a freeze in funding imposed by JICA following the nation’s default, the corporation terminated its contract with Sri Lanka.The contract involved the construction of a multi-level terminal as a part of Package A of the BIA expansion project. Package A was initially estimated to cost Rs. 133 billion.&nbsp;With regard to Package A, Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. (AASL) entered into two agreements with JICA. The first agreement was entered into in March 2012 for ¥ 29 billion and the second was entered into in March 2016 for ¥ 45.4 billion.The Deputy Minister explained that the funding had been completely suspended after the country defaulted. He continued: “It was only after we took over that we restarted discussions to obtain these loans again. We had to call for tenders and re-prepare the specifications.”Once the tender process is complete, the construction of Terminal 2 is expected to take about 30 months to finish.

BIA Terminal 2: Govt. hands over technical evaluation to JICA

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) does not expect an immediate response to its request for information from the University of Wolverhampton in the United Kingdom regarding a visit made by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe during his tenure in office, it is learnt.Highly-placed sources within the CID told The Sunday Morning that a set of questions had been sent on 4 February via email and EMS Speed Post to the British university.&nbsp;The correspondence seeks clarification on whether the invitation extended to the then President to attend an induction ceremony had been issued in an official capacity by the university or sent on a personal basis.Responding to inquiries on whether another CID team would be dispatched to the UK to pursue the matter, sources speaking on condition of anonymity said there were no plans to send investigators overseas at this stage. They noted that formal communication had already been made and that further action would depend on the response received from the university.The investigation was initiated following questions over a foreign visit undertaken by Wickremesinghe to the UK while he was serving as President. The visit coincided with the induction ceremony of his wife at the University of Wolverhampton.The case involves the alleged misappropriation of approximately Rs. 16.6 million utilised for a trip to the UK in 2023. The official position indicates that critical evidence remains outstanding before any formal charges can be filed in court.

Ranil’s UK trip: No plans to visit UK university?

<ul><li>Currently operating a fleet of 23 aircraft&nbsp;</li><li>Plans to introduce new routes, enhance frequency on some existing routes</li></ul> Amidst the ongoing global aircraft shortage, SriLankan Airlines claims that its operational performance is stable and discussions with multiple parties are continuing to secure additional aircraft.SriLankan Airlines Chairman Sarath Ganegoda told The Sunday Morning that the airline was currently operating a fleet of 23 aircraft, comprising 10 wide-body and 13 narrow-body Airbus aircraft.Given the current fleet size of the airline, he noted that diversifying into various manufacturers was not a feasible option at present.&nbsp;Speaking to The Sunday Morning, he acknowledged that the airline had plans to introduce new routes and enhance the frequency on some existing routes. However, aircraft availability remains a limiting factor.“There are new routes we would like to add, and in some existing routes where we do not operate daily, we are looking to increase our services,” Ganegoda explained.He also acknowledged that, along with other international carriers, SriLankan Airlines was also meticulously evaluating its expansion strategy into certain markets within current fleet constraints.&nbsp;According to Ganegoda, if SriLankan were to deploy several more aircraft, its ability to expand routes and strengthen overall revenue generation would be significantly enhanced. Discussions with potential lessors are ongoing, with efforts underway to expedite the process.Speaking on leasing arrangements, he clarified that SriLankan Airlines operated solely under dry leasing.“In a market driven by supply and demand dynamics, prices can increase when there is a shortage. But more than the price, availability and the process are more significant at present,” he noted.Addressing the airline’s recent financial performance, Ganegoda stated that its operational performance had improved year after year. He acknowledged that the reported loss from the previous fiscal year was primarily due to massive exchange-related factors rather than core operational difficulties.&nbsp;“Operationally, we are doing very well, even better than the previous year, and the year currently closing is expected to show further improvement,” he claimed, adding that legacy interest-related obligations continued to pose challenges.Amid the global supply constraints noted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Ganegoda stated that SriLankan Airlines was focusing on revenue growth and strategic expansion within its capabilities.Deputy Minister of Ports and Aviation Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku stated that procuring an aircraft on dry lease was difficult under the current situation due to high market demand.“Due to the high market demand and our procedural delays, aircraft are no longer available for acquisition,” he said.When asked how soon Sri Lanka could secure aircraft, Kodithuwakku said that the Government planned on proceeding with a special procurement process by submitting a Cabinet paper in the upcoming weeks to resolve the issue.He also stated that there would be no impact on tourism or ticket pricing, stressing that these measures were only aimed towards expansion and taking a step forward to strengthen the airline’s operations, and assured that regular operations would continue.&nbsp;

Aircraft shortage clips SriLankan’s wings

Seventy-five foreign nationals were arrested and 15 were deported last year for violating immigration and tourism laws by engaging in business activities while in the country on tourist visas, according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).This, amid calls for the Government to get tough on tourists engaging in unregistered business and services which have mushroomed in Sri Lanka over the last few years.&nbsp;&nbsp;The joint operations are being carried out by the SLTDA, the Department of Immigration and Emigration, and the Sri Lanka Police.SLTDA Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam said that most offenders originated from countries that were among Sri Lanka’s key tourism source markets.Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Hewawasam said that the enforcement drive was targeting foreign nationals who engaged in unauthorised commercial activities in the hospitality and travel sectors while holding tourist visas.&nbsp;These include operating unregistered restaurants, guesthouses, and other accommodation facilities in designated tourism zones.The process is ongoing and focuses on individuals engaged in vocations and occupations without the requisite business or residence permits, according to him.Hewawasam acknowledged that enforcement remained complex, particularly due to the use of local proxies. In many instances, foreign nationals allegedly partner with Sri Lankan individuals who formally register businesses under their own names, allowing the foreign operators to remain behind the scenes.“In most cases, they are connected with a local partner. When legal action is taken, the local party identifies themselves as the owner, attempting to provide an escape for the foreign party,” he said.He explained that this collaboration significantly hampered investigations. When authorities conduct inspections, foreign nationals often hide, while local partners claim that the foreigners are merely visitors and not involved in running the enterprise.To counter such practices, officials are carrying out regular inspections in tourist hotspots and relying heavily on public intelligence. However, proving unauthorised commercial activity remains challenging when documentation is in the name of a local individual and the foreign operator avoids direct scrutiny during enforcement visits.Hewawasam urged the public to report suspicious activities through the 1912 hotline or via Tourist Police units stationed in major tourism zones.&nbsp;While public concerns have been raised about particular nationalities, he stressed that violations were not confined to any one group. “You cannot identify one nationality as being responsible. This is an issue involving many nationals,” Hewawasam said.Police Tourist Division Acting Director ASP Prabath Vidanagama told The Sunday Morning that authorities had observed foreign tourists engaging in illegal business activities, particularly along Sri Lanka’s coastal belts, often using local residents as fronts to bypass national laws.&nbsp;According to ASP Vidanagama, recent investigations in destinations such as Unawatuna and Galle have revealed a structured method of operation. While foreign nationals actively manage the businesses, official documentation – such as land ownership and business documentation – is frequently registered in the names of Sri Lankan citizens.&nbsp;The Tourist Police, which currently operates 43 units nationwide, continues to monitor such developments. However, Vidanagama acknowledged that enforcement presented institutional challenges. The Police does not have direct legal authority to verify business registrations, as this responsibility lies with other State entities, including divisional secretariats and grama niladhari officers.&nbsp;Beyond formal establishments, the Police has also acted against tourists engaging in petty trade in violation of visa conditions. Recalling a case last year, Vidanagama said a foreign national had been apprehended and deported for selling small accessory items on the beach, emphasising that engaging in trade constituted a direct breach of tourist visa regulations.While the SLTDA remains the primary regulatory authority for the tourism industry, ASP Vidanagama assured that the Tourist Police would continue to act on credible information to maintain law and order within tourism zones.

Visa violations: SL deports 15 and arrests 75 foreigners in 2025

<ul><li>Assesses impact on exporters</li><li>Trade Ministry awaiting embassy communication to chart next steps</li></ul> Sri Lanka is actively evaluating the immediate impact on its vital export sector following a landmark United States Supreme Court ruling that struck down sweeping reciprocal tariffs, prompting the White House to implement a new unilateral 10% import surcharge.The sudden judicial setback in Washington determined that the use of emergency powers to levy broad reciprocal tariffs exceeded presidential authority.&nbsp;This ruling shifted the focus back to existing legislative frameworks. Consequently, US President Donald Trump quickly invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to announce the new 10% surcharge across the board.&nbsp;This specific provision allowed the Executive branch to address serious balance of payments deficits for a period of 150 days.Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development Secretary K. Vimalenthirajah stated that the Sri Lankan Government had taken a highly cautious approach as the legal and economic situation continued to evolve.“We cannot comment in detail at this time because we are unaware of their alternative approach. We are currently observing the situation as it develops based on the recent Supreme Court judgment,” Vimalenthirajah stated.He emphasised that the 150-day provision appeared to be an already measured term of how the US was deploying its trade policy. He clarified that this newly announced surcharge existed entirely within the established legal framework of the US.“The 10% surcharge being discussed is an across-the-board measure. It is a standalone action by default because the legal provision already exists within their framework. We also have provisions in our own Customs Ordinance to impose such surcharges when necessary,” Vimalenthirajah explained.&nbsp;The history of trade relations between the two nations has been marked by significant and rapid shifts over the past year. In April 2025, Sri Lanka was initially faced with a proposed 44% reciprocal tariff. This figure was later negotiated down to 20% in August, following high-level bilateral discussions.&nbsp;In exchange for this tariff reduction, Sri Lanka granted various concessions, which included lowering domestic duties on over 2,000 industrial goods and making firm commitments to purchase US energy products.With the US Supreme Court now invalidating the previous tariff structure, serious questions have arisen regarding the legal status and continuity of these bilateral trade agreements. When questioned about whether the existing agreement would be automatically nullified by the newly announced unilateral measures, the Secretary indicated that a thorough legal review was necessary.“That is an aspect we need to examine carefully because it involves a complex legal instrument. We will have to wait and see what their exit strategy entails and how they plan to follow up with us regarding existing agreements,” Vimalenthirajah noted.The Secretary further noted that while the Sri Lankan Government possessed some preliminary information regarding the potential next steps, it was absolutely vital for officials not to act or speak prematurely. He stressed that any official stance must be carefully considered and strategically planned to avoid negatively affecting the national interest.Sri Lanka remains heavily reliant on the US market. This single market historically accounts for nearly a quarter of total merchandise exports from the island nation. The domestic apparel sector, in particular, has faced immense pressure to maintain its global competitiveness against regional manufacturing rivals like Vietnam and Bangladesh amidst the continuously fluctuating tariff landscape.The Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development continues to wait for official communication from the Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington to determine the precise path forward.&nbsp;

US import surcharge: Govt. evaluating developments

<ul><li>Ministry will handle the matter internally: Ministry Secretary</li></ul>Divisional secretaries and assistant divisional secretaries have formally raised concerns with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land, and Irrigation over what they describe as repeated interference in land administration by the Private Secretary to the Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation.The Association of Divisional Secretaries and Assistant Divisional Secretaries, in a letter addressed to Ministry Secretary D.P. Wickremasinghe (seen by The Sunday Morning), stated that it had received reports of several instances in which the Deputy Minister’s Private Secretary had issued letters and exerted influence on divisional secretaries in relation to land matters.The deputy ministerial portfolio was earlier held by Susil Ranasinghe, who is now Minister of Housing, Construction, and Water Supply. Aravinda Senarath Witharana assumed duties as Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation on 13 October 2025, following the Cabinet reshuffle last year.According to the telephone directory published on the Irrigation Department’s website, a Private Secretary to Deputy Minister Ranasinghe is listed.According to the letter, the Private Secretary had on several occasions contacted divisional secretaries directly and forwarded correspondence concerning land administration.Speaking to The Sunday Morning, the association’s President R. Senthil alleged that instructions were being issued in a manner that bypassed established legal protocols and the authority of the Land Commissioner General.He claimed that letters had been sent to divisional secretaries across multiple districts requesting reports on certain land management matters, particularly those related to land disputes. Senthil questioned the legal basis for such requests.“He does not have the authority. That is our position. When someone without legal power attempts to intervene, it creates further complications,” Senthil charged, adding that in certain instances even directives issued by the Land Commissioner General were allegedly being asked to be amended.“The Land Commissioner General is the highest authority with regard to land-related matters. How can this individual ask us to bypass the Commissioner General’s instructions?” Senthil questioned.A key point of contention, according to the association, is the official status of the individual identifying himself as the Private Secretary to the Deputy Minister. Senthil said uncertainty remained as to whether the individual held a formally recognised appointment, yet letters were being issued under that designation in connection with ongoing land disputes.He cited an instance involving a land dispute between a mother and her son, where the individual was allegedly seen as taking a position and requesting a report in a manner that could influence the outcome.Senthil also referred to a previous incident involving Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala, in which a name had been allegedly misused to facilitate the issuance of 76 passports by the Department of Immigration and Emigration, pointing to what he described as a pattern of concerns regarding identity and authority.The association further alleged that the interventions had extended to active legal proceedings. In Nuwara Eliya, where divisional secretaries are empowered to initiate legal action against unauthorised land encroachments, inquiries had reportedly been made by the Private Secretary requesting that such cases be halted.He suggested that certain interventions appeared to be politically motivated rather than grounded in legal necessity.In its letter, the association requested the establishment of a formal mechanism to prevent adverse political interference in land administration.It proposed that public representations made to the Minister or Deputy Minister regarding land matters be referred to divisional secretaries through an additional secretary, senior assistant secretary, or another designated official under the supervision of the Ministry Secretary.The association warned that when political authorities issued letters supporting only one party to a dispute, and individuals presented such letters at divisional secretaries’ offices, it became difficult to ensure transparent and impartial decision-making. This, it noted, risked eroding public confidence in the State administrative system.When contacted, Ministry Secretary Wickramasinghe confirmed that he had received the letter.He said that the subject Minister and Deputy Minister had been informed of the concerns and that the matter would be addressed internally.“It is not directly relevant to the ministry. The Minister and Deputy Minister have been made aware. According to the information I have received, they will handle it internally and take appropriate steps. Staff members attached to a minister or deputy minister cannot interfere with such activities,” Wickramasinghe said.Multiple attempts to contact Deputy Minister Witharana for comment were unsuccessful.When contacted, the said Private Secretary to the Deputy Minister said the matter would likely be discussed between the ministry leadership and the Ministry Secretary.“They (divisional secretaries) allege that there is political influence. They have requested a mechanism. I think the Minister will have discussions with the Ministry Secretary and address the matter. I believe that is how it will be handled. I do not know much about it,” he claimed.

Land allocation: DS association alleges political meddling

The container congestion at the Colombo Port is expected to be cleared by today (22) if importers and their agents work cooperatively with Sri Lanka Customs and show up in order to clear their items, The Sunday Morning learns.As of 12.30 p.m. yesterday (21), three passes for food containers were pending at the North Container Terminal (NCT) gate.&nbsp;Meanwhile, a total of 258 passes were issued from Wednesday (18) to Saturday (21), with the highest number issued on Friday (136 passes) and the lowest – seven – being issued yesterday as of 12.30 p.m.When contacted by The Sunday Morning, Sri Lanka Customs Media Spokesman Chandana Punchihewa noted that 30 containers out of those that had arrived on Wednesday still remained at the port due to importers being “uninterested in clearing during the weekend”.According to Punchihewa, the tariff structure of the terminal follows a system which allows for three working days free of demurrage. This means containers that are landed from a ship on Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday can all be cleared free of demurrage until Wednesday.&nbsp;Therefore, Wednesdays are when the maximum number of containers are ready to be released from the port.&nbsp;On a regular basis, around 350 containers are expected at the yards, with the terminal being able to manage up to 450 during peak times.“Last week, there were some days on which 550 containers would be unloaded. Due to that, there was a small leftover amount of containers on days we couldn’t clear them all, which led to congestion,” he said.&nbsp;He noted that the congestion had now subsided to a great extent, with the expectation of it being cleared up by the end of today.Speaking on the matter, Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku said that the ministry had not been able to develop the necessary infrastructure such as inspection yards to streamline the clearing process yet.“We are currently preparing to tender the Peliyagoda yard. Those projects must be completed to stop this congestion entirely. We are trying to bring the existing system to a certain level of efficiency through continuous ministry meetings. However, we will only be able to remove this bottleneck completely once the elevated highway is finished. Once we can transport goods through that, the issue will be fully resolved. Until then, we have to manage this congestion from time to time,” he explained.Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) Managing Director Ganaka Hemachandra assured that there was no congestion on their end and that operations were continuing as usual.&nbsp;Punchihewa also noted that the congestion issue prevailed at the Rank Container Terminals (RCT) in Orugodawatta, as that was where containers requiring Other Government Agency (OGA) approval were directed when being examined.“The problem is not the volume of containers arriving. The agents say they work five days a week until dawn and they need a break on Saturday and Sunday. That is one of the main problems; there is no use in our being at the yard alone. Even if we clear 400–450 containers on a weekday, only about 200 containers are cleared on a Saturday. On Sunday, I don’t think even 100 containers get cleared.”When examining the goods within the containers, either the importer or their representative must be present. Otherwise, if goods were to go missing on land or contraband were to be discovered within container contents, there would be no responsibility placed on them as the container had not been opened in their presence.Additionally, the Container Transport Owners’ Association had reported congested traffic yesterday, although a report received prior from their yards had revealed a free road and the ability for 40 more containers to enter.In order to clear up the confusion, a team from the Container Movement Monitoring Branch (CMMB) had visited the NCT gate and conducted surveillance up to the RCT gate, finding no container congestion between those gates.“We prioritise clearing the road. There was a bit of congestion on the road recently, but we acted to minimise it as much as possible. This isn’t just a problem for importers and us; it affects the general public as everyone uses the road if we block it. I think anyone who is ready can take their containers out from the port terminals today or tomorrow. By the end of Sunday (22), any importers who want to can clear the existing stock,” he said, speaking to The Sunday Morning yesterday.Punchihewa added that freezer containers which mostly carry food or medicine items and food containers were given priority for clearance, posing no risk in the degradation of perishable items.&nbsp;He emphasised the importance of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme for compliant traders, in which Customs is able to gauge the compliance level and system of importers and traders. Those with high status in this programme can clear their goods within about two-and-a-half hours of unloading from the port if they are ready. As such, traders can increase their compliance level by setting up their systems accordingly.Punchihewa explained: “We check the compliance level and history of the people working there. When we go to audit some companies, they don’t even have a stock register. Therefore, we cannot consider such people as compliant. When we perform a post-audit, we check the departure time from the terminal and arrival time at the trader. If we allow a container that belongs to a company that doesn’t have such a register, we cannot record that in the post-audit. We cannot provide facilities to those without records.”As of now, nearly 100 companies receive the facility of fast-tracked clearing of containers due to the granting of an AEO Tier 1 status, a standard linked to World Customs Organization and international conventions.&nbsp;

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