“This would jeopardise the delivery commitments of the local manufacturers to international brands, further damaging our economic reputation and future trade prospects”

The Joint Chambers of Commerce yesterday expressed strong disapproval of the decision by the customs officers to work to rule, emphasising the urgent need to resume normal operations to avoid further harm to businesses.

The customs officers, who are planning a strike today and tomorrow, have already caused significant delays in clearing import cargo, disrupting the supply chains and delaying production and delivery.

“The delay in clearing goods has led to considerable costs, including port demurrages, yard charges, vehicle detention charges and liner charges. The importers, in particular, are bearing the brunt of increased costs and delays, due to this ongoing action,” said the nine key chambers in a joint statement yesterday.

The chambers voicing their concerns include the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, American Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka, European Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka, Exporters Association of Sri Lanka, Joint Apparel Association Forum, National Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka, National Chamber of Exporters, Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka and Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

The chambers cautioned that the prolonged disruption would have a ripple effect on the exports, as the delays in clearing cargo would lead to vessels bypassing Sri Lanka altogether.

“This would jeopardise the delivery commitments of the local manufacturers to international brands, further damaging our economic reputation and future trade prospects,” it said.

Among the cargo at the port are perishable food items, medicines and other essential goods. Continued delays could result in shortages of these supplies.

Any strike action, as planned for July 4 and 5, will only exacerbate the situation, leading to further hardships for businesses and the broader economy.  

Asserting that at a time when the country is beginning to show signs of recovery and growth, actions of this nature would only dampen such positive momentum, the joint chambers called on the customs officers to reconsider their current actions in the context of the national economy and welfare of the public.

“We recognise that the grievances, if any, must be resolved through discussion and not by resorting to strike or work-to-rule actions,” the joint chambers said, while emphasising that the duties of the customs officers must be carried out with the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, prioritising the nation’s interests above personal considerations.

(dailymirror.lk)

(This story, originally published by dailymirror.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

Speaker – Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana, and Premier Dinesh Gunawardena yesterday (July 03) paid their final respects to the late Opposition leader – R. Sampanthan, in Parliament.

Angajan Ramanathan, Deputy Chairperson of Committees, Ministers, Members of Parliament, former Members of Parliament were present to pay their respects.

MP Wajira Abeywardana representing President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Chief Opposition Whip – MP Lakshman Kiriella representing the Leader of Opposition – Sajith Premadasa, were present to pay their last respects to the late MP.

Furthermore, former President and Member of Parliament – Mahinda Rajapaksa and former Speaker – Karu Jayasuriya were also present to pay final respects.

The Parliament secretariat headed by Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, Secretary-General of Parliament, Ambassadors, government officials, staff affiliated to the Parliament, former staff members and relatives of the Hon. Sampanthan were present at this occasion.

Upon the arrival of the hearse carrying the remains of Rajavarothiam Sampanthan at the main steps of the Parliament complex where at around 2.00 p.m., the dignitaries including the Speaker, the Premier, the  Deputy Chairperson of Committees, party leaders, Parliament Secretary General – Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary General of Parliament – Mr. Chaminda Kularatne, received the remains of the late MP.

Thereafter the Serjeant-at-Arms, Deputy Serjeant-at-Arms and Assistant Sergeant-at- Arms escort the remains received, along the red carpet which was kept at the special ceremonial hall located in the front hall of the Parliament building.

The Speaker and the Prime Minister signed a note of condolence following paying their last respects. Party leaders, former Presidents, Members of Parliament, Ambassadors, the Secretariat and other dignitaries also joined to pay last respects and to sign a note of condolence.

(Pics : Parliament Media)

The Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Thalawa Police Station has been injured after being attacked with a sharp object during a raid last night (July 03).

He has been admitted to the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital for treatment.

A suspect has been arrested in connection with the incident, police said.