Industry concerns over SLPA tariffs

The Export Development Board (EDB) has taken the rare step of publicly criticising another state agency, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) over the upward revision of its tariffs.

In a media statement, the EDB said:

“The upward tariff revision by the SLPA has become a controversial matter raising many concerns of exporters/importers during tough times where Sri Lanka is trying to find their position back in the world map as a competitive exporter. However, the SLPA seems adamant to go-ahead with this implementation disregarding the concerns raised by the industry. Though the players who are engaged in the international trade continuously insisted that, rates remain unchanged, it is unfortunate that the authorities are still trying to act in favour of the upward revision.

“A tariff revision was imposed effective from January 1, 2019 without any prior notice given to industry. This caused confusion, inconvenience, disruption of business and losses to the trade. Eventually when the matter was raised, it was agreed upon to take necessary action in order to revoke the Cabinet decision. This resulted in the former tariff (prior to January 2019) was re-implemented effective on February 7. The industry argued that the additional tariff amounts charged have not yet been refunded to the traders by the authorities. While incurring loss of the tariff charged during this period, now the industry has to get ready for the next upward tariff revision.”