Container transporters vital for exports
With only 10 per cent of container transporters in operation, priority needs to be given to this sector that is vital in resuming plying between the port and the export zones.
The All Island Container Transport Owners Federation Chairman Sanath Manjula told the Business Times that for about a week there has been an acute shortage of diesel as a result of which only 10 per cent of their container transporters are in operation at present.
The BOI export zones usually require about 700 carriers for which approximately 150,000 litres are required per day for export and import carriers. At the moment they want at least 100, 000 litres. About 800-1200 would generally ply between the port and city but now the situation has forced about 100-200 remaining in operation, he explained.
He noted that currently they are operational only within Colombo since they do not have any fuel available outside of the commercial capital.
In this respect, Mr. Manjula said they had a meeting this week with former Minister Sagala Ratnayaka (heading a UNP-led committee) where their issues were raised.
During the meeting it had been pointed out that they need to be considered as an essential service as they have not been included in the recent gazette on essential services.
FTZ Manufacturers Association Secretary Dhammika Fernando said that at present there is no fuel as a result of which they are likely to face a crisis if the situation continues.
However, the factories are currently coping with the situation and are “struggling”.
Mr. Fernando noted that currently “it is a day-to-day hand-to- mouth business” as the industry is facing huge delays in export and export clearances due to the lack of transport available and lack of space on vessels.
“It’s tough but at the moment we are able to manage using our own vehicles and helping out where we can,” Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) Secretary General Yohan Lawrence said. At present the apparel sector is not affected by the fuel crisis since they are able to continue their operations without disruption, he said.
It was pointed out that while the small companies would use their own vehicles, the other larger companies would also be now compelled to use their own vehicles.
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