The Sri Lanka Customs will soon convene a meeting of clearing and forwarding agents and representatives of Grayline container terminal service provider to reach a consensus on the revision of terminal verification charges. Director General of Sri Lanka Customs S.A.C.S.W. Jayathilake told The Sunday Times FT that the department can intervene into this matter only as a mediator to arrive at a consensus on the new tariff structure applicable for services rendered by Grayline container terminal service provider.

He added that he has issued a directive to a senior Customs official to inquire into this matter and to submit a report. It has been revealed that the tariffs have not been revised since 2002. The Customs chief has taken this action in response to submissions made by Association of Clearing and Forwarding Agents (ACFA) who are the sole user of the Grayline container verification yard utility facilities.

ACFA has brought to the notice of the authorities about the very poor facilities, standards and the service including safety standards offered by this service provider. The association charged that a wharf clerk was run over by a forklift due to congestion.

They also complained that access roads leading to Grayline 1 – Orugdawatte is in a very dilapidated condition and up to now two containers have toppled. Mr.Jayathilake said that the reconstruction of roads should be handled by the Road Development Authority and this matter will be brought to the notice of the relevant authorities soon.