Sanath Manjula, Chairman of the Container Transport Vehicle Owners Association, has raised concerns over the delay in inspecting quality certificates for imported salt, which has resulted in over 100 containers being held at the port.
Speaking at a media briefing organized by the association in Colombo yesterday (25), Manjula explained that only a limited number of salt containers are being released from the port each day. He noted that quality certificates are required before the containers can be moved to storage facilities, leading to significant delays.
He further warned that the extreme heat poses a risk to the stored salt, stating that in some cases, the salt is already melting and leaking from the containers.
Manjula emphasized that the delays affect not only salt but also other perishable goods such as potatoes and onions. He pointed out that some food items are shipped in refrigerated containers, which are at greater risk of spoilage if held at the port for more than two days.
Despite Customs prioritizing food items, he said the lack of adequate space and manpower at inspection points outside the port has contributed to the backlog, causing containers to remain stuck inside the port premises.
