SHORTAGES LOOM AS CUSTOMS SLOW DOWN
The country lost Rs. 12 bn so far Soon affect the exports as well Colombo Port also slows down
The work-to-rule campaign started by the Customs officials over the replacing of Director General of the Customs Department Ms P.S.M. Charles with a retired Navy Officer had cost the country thumping Rs 12 billion rupees so far, a Spokesman of the Sri Lanka Customs Officers’ Union said yesterday.
The Vice President of the Union Amila Sanjeewa said that the Rs. 4 billion daily revenue of the Department had been reduced by 50 per cent due to the trade union action.
He said that currently imported potato, onion, medicine and frozen food items were cleared by the Customs swiftly but the amount that was being cleared had been slowed down.
The union said that the trade union action which had currently affected only the imports might affect the exports as well if the authorities did not take remedial action immediately.
Mr Sanjeewa accused the authorities of not taking steps to resolve the issue which is dragging on for the sixth day today.
The clearance of containers has drastically dropped from 1,500-2,000 to 500 containers a day, which has, in turn, affected the functions of the terminals of the Colombo Port as well.
He said that the TU had decided to intensify its struggle from tomorrow as the negotiation with the Finance Minister had collapsed.
The Spokesman for the
The clearance of containers has drastically dropped from 1,500-2,000 to 500 containers a day
He said that currently imported potato, onion, medicine and frozen food items were cleared by the Customs swiftly but the amount that was being cleared had been slowed down
Importers Union Hemaka Fernando expressed fear that the Customs Officers’ TU action would result in a severe shortage of essential items in the country.
He also called on the authorities to resolve the issue soon in order to prevent such a situation.