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Fuel shortage: Business as usual for Colombo Port

19 Jun 2022

 
  • Port sees increase in export volume
  • Logistics industry seeks fuel prioritisation for container transport
By Asiri Fernando   The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) yesterday (18) rejected allegations that operations at the Port of Colombo had been affected due to the ongoing shortage in fuel. Responding to a question from The Sunday Morning, SLPA Chairman Dr. Prasantha Jayamanna said that operations at the Colombo Port had not been affected by the shortage of fuel as the SLPA was receiving adequate fuel at present, and was maintaining a buffer stock as well. “There has been no impact on operations. We also have our buffer stocks of fuel and we can sustain operations without any issues. Even if there was a shortage of fuel, we can source fuel from the JCT oil bank,” Dr. Jayamanna said. The SLPA Chairman warned that some Trade Union (TU) personnel were engaged in a smear campaign to discredit the reputation of the Colombo Port. “A few members of TUs are spreading these rumours to disrupt the Colombo Port and our good relations with our long-term customers. They want media attention and don’t realise the damage they are causing to the reputation of Colombo Port,” the SLPA Chairman opined. According to Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents (CASA) Chairperson Shehara de Silva, vessel traffic and trade are continuing, with cumulative export from Sri Lanka on the rise when compared to last year. “The ships keep coming and all the logistics are still happening. Our cumulative exports are higher than last year. Yes, there are challenges, but we are continuing.  It’s business as usual at Colombo Port,” de Silva told The Sunday Morning. According to CASA, the logistics industry has requested the Government to prioritise fuel supply for container transportation. The Colombo Port has already been listed as an essential service, enabling it to buy fuel on a priority basis.  CASA Chair de Silva expressed confidence that the Government would list container transportation as a priority for diesel, adding that the Government was doing all it could do.    


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