Customs officials claim that it will take atleast another 07 days to grant clearance for the backlog of uncleared containers owing to the recent strike action.
Deputy Secretary, Customs Staff Officers Union, Sudath de Silva speaking at a media briefing said that steps would be taken to clear priority cargo containers as soon as possible.
Further he said another problem that could arise in the future is that importers being forced to pay demurrage charges owing to the strike action by customs unions. He added that the government should take a decision regarding late payments and importers should not be made to bear the loss.
Customs officials staged a strike action for seven consecutive days to protest against the removal of Customs Director General P.S.M. Charles. However, cabinet granted approval yesterday(Feb 05) to reinstate Ms. Charles in office.
A Sri Lankan man was apprehended at Suvarnabhumi airport for attempting to smuggle wildlife out of the country after three ball pythons were found hidden in his underwear, the Bangkok post reported.
The UK government has unveiled a package of reforms to simplify imports from developing countries which allows for more garments manufactured in Sri Lanka to enter the UK tariff-free.
Read these and more on tomorrow’s edition of the Sunday Times
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