🚢 SLANA Calls for Urgent Action on Colombo Terminal Charges to Protect Logistics Competitiveness

The Sri Lanka Association of NVOCC Agents (SLANA) has warned that rising terminal handling charges (THC) and uncompetitive practices are eroding Colombo's appeal as a shipping hub, putting severe financial strain on local SME operators. • Key Issues & Economic Impact • Uncompetitive THC structures and backlogs of uncleared empty containers at the Port of Colombo are forcing NVOCC operators into regional disadvantages. • SLANA urges the Government to expedite a review committee on THC to align Sri Lanka's land-based costs with international standards. • Unresolved operational delays threaten Sri Lanka’s broader national target of transitioning from a basic transhipment port into a fully integrated regional logistics hub (incorporating warehousing, distribution, and value-added services). • Regional Trade & Sector Breakdown • Over 75 NVOCC lines currently sustain regional connectivity across India, China, the Far East, and the Middle East. • High dependency on regional trade: China and India account for ~44% of Sri Lanka's imports, with India serving as the 2nd largest export market. • The majority of SLANA members are domestic SMEs critical for national employment, tax revenue, and supply chain resilience during global disruptions. • Strategic Requirements • SLANA advocates for predictable maritime policies, reasonable terminal fees matching regional ports, and immediate Customs/Ports Ministry intervention via a Cabinet paper to clear container backlogs.