Shippers’ Council slams successive governments for policy failures

• Calls on Ports Authority and the Minister of Shipping to address the entrenched corruption within institutions such as SL Customs and the IRD
• Points out Customs “continues to be a thorn in our flesh”
• Says private sector also part of the problem

The Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council strongly criticised successive governments for their inconsistent policies, and

stressed that it is this lack of action that has paved the way for widespread corruption, hurting industries.

Despite numerous promises from various administrations, the Council asserted that the absence of good governance and sound policy remains a significant issue.

Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council Chairman Sean Van Dort on Friday called on the Ports Authority and the Minister of Shipping to address the entrenched corruption within institutions such as Sri Lanka Customs and the Inland Revenue Department. 

Van Dort, who was re-elected as Chairman at the Council’s 54th Annual General Meeting (AGM) criticised the government’s lacklustre response during the recent Sri Lanka Customs go-slow campaign, describing it as a clear indication of its unwillingness to tackle the issues head-on.

“It is a shame that a department like Customs and the authorities take such a dismissive view of these problems. Customs continue to be a thorn in our flesh,” Van Dort stated.

While ship handling at the ports meets acceptable standards, Van Dort highlighted ongoing struggles with the logistics side, noting filthy warehouses and archaic equipment. 
“Pilferage and damage are the order of the day. This is the reality,” he lamented.

The Shippers’ Council also pointed out that private sector players must be held accountable for their actions, as they too have contributed to the corruption. Van Dort explained that for the sake of efficiency, the private sector is willing to outsource bribery and corrupt practices to other entities. 
“Companies present themselves as respectable but then get another entity to pay bribes, disguised as agency commission and handling fees,” he said.

Despite the challenges, he emphasised that the Council and its members do not expect handouts from the government. 

“What we expect is a service that would not hinder operations. We are confident we have the drive and the capability to conquer international markets. Our private sector is robust enough to find their own markets and bring in the dollars, but we need the service we deserve,” he stressed.