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The government is not responsible for the port’s delay fees, but importers face heavy charges

January 22, 2026

Former UNP Deputy Leader MP Ravi Karunanayake has highlighted the difficulties faced by importers due to certain procedures at the Colombo Port.

Speaking to the media, he said that while importers are responsible for paying import fees and collecting their goods, they are currently being forced to pay additional delay fees.

Karunanayake added that the money collected as delay fees does not benefit the country. Instead, these charges go to terminal operators, leaving the nation without any advantage.

To address the issue, the MP suggested extending the three-day period currently given to importers to release containers to five days.

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