### Middle East Conflict Hits SL Shipping Routes 🚢

The Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council (SLSC) has warned of significant disruptions to global trade as escalating geopolitical tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran impact maritime corridors. • Operational Impacts: Shipping lines have begun adjusting schedules, suspending specific routes, and rerouting cargo to unintended ports. This has created a "severe burden" for exporters and importers due to rising storage and re-shipping costs. • Cost Escalation: Carriers are already imposing risk-related surcharges. Prolonged instability is expected to drive up freight costs and cause significant transit delays for the island nation. • Sector Concerns: As a maritime-dependent economy, Sri Lanka’s logistics and trade sectors are highly sensitive to these shifts. The SLSC emphasized that safe and open international shipping routes are critical for national commerce. • Strategic Response: Chairman Trisherman Frink called for urgent cooperation between the government, port authorities, and the private sector to mitigate supply chain risks and ensure the continued flow of trade. The council remains in close contact with international industry bodies to monitor the evolving situation and support the local trade community. 📈