ECONOMYNEXT – Key segments of Sri Lanka’s shipping community have agreed on an anti-corruption and zero tolerance policy aimed at cleaning up the trade, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) said in a statement.
Agreement was reached at a meeting initiated by SLPA and Sri Lanka Customs with the members of the Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents and of Sri Lanka Association of Vessel Operators.
The statement said it was a ‘landmark’ meeting and the first of its kind in the history of the maritime industry in Sri Lanka.
The meeting was co-chaired by SLPA chairman Parakrama Dissanayake and Director General of Sri Lanka Customs P. S. M. Charles.
The talks focused on issues like the anti-corruption and zero tolerance policy, detained containers, introducing a digital signature and electronic delivery order system.
The statement said the Management Committee of SLPA has approved the zero tolerance policy which has also been endorsed by its Board of Directors.
“At a recent discussion, Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents, stakeholders and Sri Lanka Customs have also agreed to follow the zero tolerance policy,” it said.
Last month Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council chairman Chrisso de Mel said corruption was still widespread on the Colombo port waterfront with payment of bribes to get business done.
(COLOMBO, 02 August, 2018)