News
Container operators announces 4% reduction in freight charges
Calls for streamlined customs clearance to lower costs further
By Saman Indrajith
The Container Transport Owners Association (CTOA) has announced that freight charges will be reduced by 4%, following the recent decrease in auto diesel prices.
Sanath Manjula, President of the CTOA said the freight reduction would come into effect from 1st October.
Manjula noted that greater relief could be provided to the public if Customs officers work to reduce significant delays in the import and export clearance processes. “We have reduced fees by four percent now, but a much more substantial reduction could be offered if the clearance process is streamlined,” he said.
Manjula said that when containers were held within port premises for more than four days due to clearance delays, they were subject to demurrage from the date of landing. Previously, containers were cleared within 24 hours, but it now took between four to seven days, a key factor contributing to the sharp rise in the price of imported goods.
The government’s reduction of fuel prices is a welcome step, and people are expecting to see a corresponding decrease in the cost of goods, particularly since many of the items they rely on are imported. “The government needs to consider the bigger picture. While a drop in fuel prices is beneficial, addressing the delays in customs clearance would have a much more significant impact on reducing prices,” Manjula remarked.
In the long term, he suggested that the government should explore the possibility of producing vehicle accessories domestically. “There are several companies in Sri Lanka already producing tyres. If the government can support these companies in increasing their production, the cost of tyres, which is a major expense for container transport, could be reduced in the future,” he said.
Manjula also highlighted the potential for President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to significantly reduce the cost of goods and services by curbing corruption. He emphasised that many Sri Lankans now recognise the impact of corruption on their daily lives.
“In my field, corruption is a major contributor to inefficiency. However, following President Dissanayake’s election, corrupt officials are becoming increasingly hesitant to engage in such activities. If the government were to establish a committee to monitor the sector and introduce robust anti-corruption mechanisms, corruption within the import-export industry is likely to decline sharply. This would benefit both the public and businesses alike,” he concluded.
Latest News
Landslide Early Warnings issued to the districts of Kalutara, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura
The Landslide Early Warning Centre of the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued early warnings to the Districts of Kalutara, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura from 1600hrs on 13th June 2026 till 1600hrs on 14th June 2026.
Accordingly,
LEVEL I (YELLOW) landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surounding areas of Palindanuwara and Agalawatta in the Kalutara district, Ambagamuwa in the Nuwara Eliya and Ayagama, Pelmadulla,
Godakawela, Elapatha, Kalawana, Ratnapura and Nivithigala in the Ratnapura district.
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) ‘Sharda’ departed the island today (13 Jun 26), concluding her replenishment purposes.
On departure the vessel was accorded a traditional naval farewell by the Sri Lanka Navy at the Port of Colombo.
The visit also paved the way for vibrant personnel interactions, fostering camaraderie and goodwill. The crew of INS Sharda and personnel from the Sri Lanka Navy participated in a
friendly volleyball match and a joint yoga session. A
dditionally, Sri Lanka Navy personnel had the opportunity to visit the Indian naval vessel, while the visiting crew took time to explore several culturally significant landmarks across the island.
A decision has been taken to declare a Special Dengue Prevention Week from 15 to 21 of June by the Colombo District Dengue Control Committee to curb the spread of the disease in the Colombo District.
This decision was taken at the meeting of the Colombo District Dengue Control Committee held on Friday (12) at the Colombo District Secretariat under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Compared to last year, the number of dengue cases reported this year has increased significantly. According to the National Dengue Control Unit, approximately 39,100 dengue cases have been reported island wide to date, of which 25.8% have been recorded in the Colombo District. Following this situation, the Colombo District has been identified as a high-risk district.
Health authorities informed that the increasing spread of the disease has been influenced not only by the nature of circulating virus but also to the lack of sufficient immunity among the population. They further noted that the recent period of heavy rainfall has aggravated the spread of Dengue.
It was also identified that the current outbreak is being reported more frequently from public places such as government institutions, private establishments, schools, and religious venues rather than from residential premises. Observations have identified improperly managed solid waste and drainage systems in offices and other public locations as major breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Accordingly, during the Dengue Prevention Week from 15 to 21 June, a series of measures will be implemented, including, organising community clean-up campaigns in government and private institutions, schools, residential areas, and other public spaces; Conducting inspections of high-risk premises by Divisional Secretariats and taking legal action, where necessary, followed by awareness programmes; Distributing informational leaflets, displaying banners, and carrying out public awareness campaigns through the media. Health authorities also requested school administrations not to involve students below Grade 10 in school cleaning programmes and to immediately notify the relevant Medical Officer of Health (MOH) office if a student is diagnosed with dengue.
The programme is expected to receive the active support and participation of the district’s political leadership, religious leaders of all faiths, public officials, local government institutions, the tri-forces, the police, and the general public.
The event was attended by the Chairperson of the District Coordination Committee, Members of Parliament, representatives of local government authorities, government secretaries, police officers, and officials representing the education and health sectors, among others.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Mismatch in batting firepower could dictate the outcome again
Landslide Early Warnings issued to the districts of Kalutara, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura
INS Sharda departs Colombo concluding replenishment visit
Special Dengue Prevention Week declared in Colombo District from June 15 to 21
The leader of the indigenous Vedda community Uru Warige Wannila Aththo Meets Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya
SpaceX IPO debuts in US markets, Musk becomes world’s first trillionaire
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
News7 days agoWomen’s T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up: Chamari Athapaththu’s 94 helps Sri Lanka beat Pakistan
-
News7 days agoLankan-Canadian inducted to Toronto Sports Hall of Fame
-
Editorial6 days agoProbe Sallay’s complaint
-
News4 days agoLocal firms move millions of dollars overseas for phantom imports: Govt.
-
News2 days agoCIABOC summons Yoshitha over his participation in British Navy training programme
-
Editorial7 days agoPrez in the dock
-
Features7 days agoEntering MIT for my Ph.D program, coping with harsh Boston winter and breasting the tape
-
Midweek Review4 days agoJuly 09: An inexcusable overall security failure and exceptional contingency plan