The Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council has a history of more than 50 years, representing the interests of shippers on the Island. It was the first National Shippers' Council to be set up in Asia in March 1966.
The Council’s engagement and contribution towards drafting some of the policies of national importance and its involvement in the reform process of border agency activities during the past years are noteworthy.
Recently, the Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council was informed that the Gazette No. 2041/10 dated 17th October, 2017 regarding the Licensing of Shipping Agents, Freight Forwarders, Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers and Container Operators which protects importers and exporters from anti-competitive practices which were carried out by service providers for several years, should be revoked.
The revoking of the Gazette will create a ripple effect which will make Sri Lanka’s Exports becoming uncompetitive, which in turn will lead to a further increase in the rate of inflation in the country.
The Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council believes that the Minister should not have the power to decide on charges on transactions between private parties. It is a common understanding in the Council that the Ministry/Minister should be the regulator and be impartial in all dealings in this regard, in order to protect the weaker party in the absence of equal bargaining power.
Source: bizenglish.adaderana.lk