Accordingly, all ships entering the Sri Lankan ports would be exempted from entry and delay charges , the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) Chairman Daya Ratnayake said.The President’s Media Division (PMD) said the Sri Lanka Ports Authority thereby has exempted delay charges and access tariff to all vessels entering Sri Lankan ports, while more relief measures are to be provided to ensure continuous port operations.
The president has ordered these measures to provide necessary concession facilities within the port premises to ensure the smooth functioning of port operations and measures would be taken to grant concessions to businesses involved in port related trade.
The Sri Lanka Customs, and Jaya Container Terminal (JCT), Unity Container Terminal (UCT), Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT) and the privately owned South Asia Gateway Terminal (SAGT) under the Port of Colombo, will work together to provide the necessary concession facilities.
Gen. Daya Ratnayake said that measures have been taken to provide concessions covering every sector in the shipping industry.
1- During the curfew period the Yard and warehouse rent charged for import containers and shipping goods would be waived off.
2- The port entry passes obtained by representative companies and companies engaged in import, export activities for their vehicles engaged in transporting goods to and from the port and all personal passes would be valid during the curfew period.
3- Those engaged in the private sector who is required to engage in port related activities could obtain curfew passes from the police in the event of an urgent requirement with the approval of the Port Authority.
4- Fuel required for all containers / freight vehicles for peripheral and intercontinental services operating at the port, could be obtained from Filling Stations of the Ports Authority on payment basis.
5- Measures have also been taken to provide hygienic, health services and welfare facilities to all Port Authority employees engaged in continued services, including transport facilities on selected routes.
