The Container Truck Drivers’ Association (CTDA) has issued a stern warning, threatening trade union action if delays in clearing imported containers are not swiftly addressed.
Container Truck Owners’ Association President Sanath Manjula spoke to the media, emphasizing the severe challenges faced by truck drivers due to the prolonged delays, including the lack of basic sanitary facilities. “These delays have made the drivers’ work unbearable, and we are left with no choice but to resort to trade union action if the situation does not improve immediately,” he stated.
Manjula stressed that any trade union action would disrupt the import and export sectors, both heavily reliant on the efficient clearing of containers. He attributed the delays to poor coordination among relevant State agencies and urged the Government to take urgent measures, such as deploying security forces personnel to expedite the process.
Additionally, Manjula called for round-the-clock operations by Sri Lanka Customs and other related institutions to resolve the backlog and avoid further inconvenience to truck drivers and the logistics industry.