SLPA, Customs meet to resolve industry issues

The Sri Lanka Ports Authority ( SLPA) together with other key stakeholders met recently to discuss a number of issues pertaining to anti- corruption, zero tolerance policy and the introduction of a digital signature and electronic delivery order system.

This joint meeting was initiated by the SLPA and Sri Lanka Customs (SLC) with the members of the Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents (CASA) and members of Sri Lanka Association of Vessel Operators ( SLAVO), a media release issued by the SLPA stated.

The meeting was co- chaired by the Chairman of SLPA Dr. Parakrama Dissanayake and the Director General of Sri Lanka Customs ( SLC) Ms. P. S. M. Charles, with the participation of officials of the Sri Lanka Customs ( SLC), SLPA, members of the CASA and SLAVO. The meeting was organized on the advice by the Minister of Ports and Shipping Mahinda Samarasinghe towards the importance of resolving issues of the maritime industry in Sri Lanka.

The meeting brought forward a number of issues that were discussed pertaining to the Anti- Corruption and Zero Tolerance Policy, detained containers, introducing a digital signature and electronic delivery order system.

At present, the Management Committee of SLPA has approved the zero tolerance policy and this has also been endorsed by the Board of Directors of the institution. At a recent discussion, CASA and the Customs have also agreed to follow the zero tolerance policy and the related authorities also expected to issue formal letters regarding this.

It was noted that due to several factors such as lack of exporter details or non-presence of the exporter and forged documentation, containers have been detained by relevant authorities for further investigation.

A joint decision was reached at the meeting to establish a committee comprising officials of SLPA, Customs, CASA and SLAVO to look into the matter. The committee will submit a report on existing issues with recommendations and suggestions to resolve the matter.

It was also informed by DG Customs that regulations will be gazetted for paperless documentation, the release said.

A committee was also appointed comprising officials of SLPA, SLC and CASA to ensure the matter of resolving issues pertaining to implementation of digital signature and electronic delivery order systems.