A landmark joint meeting to discuss a number of maritime industry related issues initiated by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) and Sri Lanka Customs (SLC) with the members of the Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents (CASA) and members of Sri Lanka Association of Vessel Operators (SLAVO), was held recently.
The meeting was co-chaired by the Chairman, SLPA, Dr. Parakrama Dissanayake and the Director General, Customs, Mrs. P. S. M. Charles.
 SLPA Chairman Dr. Parakrama Dissanayake and Director General of Customs, Mrs. P. S. M. Charles at the meeting. |
The meeting brought forward a number of issues that were discussed pertaining to the Anti-Corruption and Zero Tolerance Policy, detained containers, introducing a digital signature and electronic delivery order system.
The Management Committee of the SLPA has approved the zero tolerance policy and this has also been endorsed by the Board of Directors of the institution.
At a recent discussion, the Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents (CASA), also Stakeholders and the Customs agreed to follow the zero tolerance policy and the related authorities also expected to issue formal letters regarding this.
It was noted that containers have been detained by the authorities for further investigations due to several factors such as lack of exporter details or non-presence of the exporter and forged documentation.
A joint decision was reached at the meeting to establish a committee comprising of officials of Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), Sri Lanka Customs (SLC), Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents (CASA) and Sri Lanka Association of Vessel Operators (SLAVO) to look into the matter. The committee will submit a report on existing issues with recommendations and suggestions to resolve the matter.
It was informed by DG Customs that regulations will be gazetted for paperless documentation.
A committee was also appointed comprising of officials of SLPA, SLC and CASA to ensure the matter of resolving issues pertaining to implementation of digital signature and electronic delivery order systems.