Over 10,000 vehicles are stuck at the Colombo and Hambantota ports due to clearance delays and documentation issues, says Indika Sampath Merenchige, president of the Sri Lanka Vehicle Importers Association.
8,726 vehicles have been detained at the ports within 45 days since August 15, and another 751 vehicles have been detained at the ports for more than 45 days since February 1, 2025, he said.
In addition, he noted that about 200 vehicles imported before February 1 this year are still at the Hambantota port, according to data obtained from the Hambantota Port Administration.
According to data from the Vehicle Importers Association, about 1,000 vehicles are stuck at the Colombo port, while another 10,000 vehicles are detained at the Hambantota port.
He warned that rising late fees in this situation would ultimately burden the public.