Shippers’ Council renews push to eliminate hidden logistics costs, accelerate trade reforms as Sri Lanka’s leading body representing shippers urged the Government to speed up digitalisation, simplify border procedures and improve trade efficiency to strengthen the country’s global competitiveness.
Shippers’ Council renews push to eliminate hidden logistics costs through trade reforms
The call was made by Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council (SLSC) Chairman Trisherman Frink during the Council’s 60th anniversary celebrations and 56th Annual General Meeting (AGM), where he stressed that reducing unnecessary business costs and modernising trade processes are essential for sustaining export growth and attracting investment.
Frink said the Council’s long-standing mission remains the elimination of hidden logistics costs that continue to place Sri Lankan exporters and importers at a disadvantage in increasingly competitive international markets.
“Our vision is simple yet powerful—to enhance the competitiveness of our members by abolishing hidden logistics costs,” he told members, noting that every unnecessary border delay, avoidable surcharge, outdated regulation and inefficient administrative procedure ultimately raises the cost of doing business.
He emphasized that the trade facilitation agenda has become more important than ever as global supply chains evolve rapidly and businesses increasingly compete on speed, reliability and efficiency rather than product quality alone.
According to Frink, Sri Lanka must continue adapting to changes in global commerce by accelerating digital transformation, modernising border management and improving coordination among Government institutions, regulators and private sector stakeholders.
The Shippers’ Council renews push to eliminate hidden logistics costs, accelerate trade reforms initiative also highlights the importance of stronger collaboration between Sri Lanka Customs, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, the Board of Investment, the Merchant Shipping Secretariat, the Export Development Board, Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka), and development partners including the Asian Development Bank.
Frink acknowledged the constructive engagement maintained with these institutions over the past year, saying sustainable reforms are best achieved through dialogue, mutual respect and partnerships rather than confrontation.
He noted that repeated documentation requirements, excessive paperwork, cargo clearance delays and lengthy container dwell times continue to increase logistics costs for exporters and importers. These inefficiencies, he said, ultimately reduce Sri Lanka’s competitiveness while increasing costs for businesses and consumers alike.
The Council has also expanded its international engagement by participating in meetings of the Asian Shippers’ Alliance and the Global Shippers’ Alliance, strengthening relationships with counterpart organisations across Asia, Europe, Australia and North America. These partnerships provide opportunities to exchange best practices, monitor emerging trade trends and ensure Sri Lanka’s shipping community remains represented in international discussions.
Looking ahead, Frink outlined several priorities for the coming year, including advancing trade facilitation reforms, promoting digital trade initiatives, working with Government agencies to remove unnecessary logistics barriers and strengthening cooperation with international organisations to introduce globally recognised best practices.
He reiterated that the Council’s objective is not to assign responsibility for existing challenges but to work collectively with policymakers and industry stakeholders to develop practical solutions that improve efficiency and create long-term value for Sri Lanka’s trading community.
The Shippers’ Council renews push to eliminate hidden logistics costs, accelerate trade reforms message comes as Sri Lanka seeks to enhance its attractiveness as a regional trading and logistics hub. Industry leaders believe that faster customs procedures, digital documentation and streamlined regulations will play a vital role in reducing business costs, supporting exporters and improving the country’s competitiveness in global markets.