Speaking at a recent media briefing, the SLSSA secretary - J.M. Faiz said that even though 06 years have elapsed since the end of the war, the same rules and regulations still exist in the Port and Customs.

Even to deliver a simple order of vegetables to a ship, the procedure compels them to visit six places before making the delivery, he added.

Although most ships use modern technology from the middle of the oceans to place their orders, the Port and Customs in Sri Lanka are still following rules and regulations which have been in function for around 50 years.

Bribes

Upon being questioned by 'Sri Lanka Mirror' whether the SLSSA was compelled to offer bribes during their work involving the customs, they said that this was a common occurrence.

"The bigwigs tell us to stop this. We cannot stop it. It is they who should stop it... It isn't that we throw them at their faces... We give because they take bribes, " Mr. Faiz further said.

Political interference

peaking, SLSSA chairman, A. Samson C. de Silva said that high placed officials at the Ports Authority and Customs lack the power to resolve the problems faced by this industry, which brings in a strong flow of foreign exchange.

"Last month, we had several rounds of discussion with several high placed officials at the Ports Authority and Customs. I'm sad to say that many of them have no power. Some have even voiced concerns whether they will end up in the FCID and therefore cannot comply to our requests," he said adding that clearly, political influence can be seen.

The SLSSA says that in order to meet with the challenges they are facing, the association requires more assistance especially from concerned government authorities and institutions taking into consideration the amount of foreign exchange bringing to the country by this industry.

40th anniversary

The SLSSA, will be holding their 40th anniversary celebrations and AGM at the Galadari Hotel, Colombo on Nov. 13, 2015.

The ship chandling collective which has a membership of 114, is a member of the International Ship Suppliers and Services Association (ISSA).

Minister of Ports & Shipping - Arjuna Ranatunga, Deputy minister Nishantha Muthuhettigama, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority - Dhammika Ranatunga and ISSA President - Abdul Hameed Hajah Alaudeen will attend the anniversary event.