• Dept. worries of general strike
• Officers note continuation of essential services 
• Container drivers bemoan clearance blockages   

In the wake of around 1,000 containers being blocked at the Customs due to the ongoing strike of Customs officials, the Sri Lanka Customs Department said that the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilisation, and National Policies should take decisions in this regard as soon as possible, as this could adversely affect the country’s economy.

On 17 March, Customs unions launched a token strike, which reportedly blocked around 1,000 containers. It was reported that the strike was launched as a result of an ongoing dispute between the Customs and the Treasury over the Customs incentive fund. Recently, the Customs received a notice from the Treasury informing them that the balance in the Reward Fund managed by the Customs Director General will be moved to the Finance Ministry. 

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (18), Customs Spokesperson Seevali Arukgoda said that it is the responsibility of the Finance Ministry to take immediate actions to address the issue, preventing the continuation of the strike as it would exert pressure on the export and import sectors. He also noted that the Customs has no authority to intervene in the matter as the final decision has to be taken by the Ministry of Finance. Arukgoda further noted that the Customs has already informed the President in his capacity as the Finance Minister, the two Finance State Ministers, Ranjith Siyambalapitiya and Shehan Semasinghe, and the Secretary to the Finance Ministry and the Treasury Mahinda Siriwardana, regarding the matter. “Fortunately, the Customs unions have not started a general strike. The Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake is functioning without any obstruction, and other services related to essential services and exports are also functioning smoothly. But, the situation could be serious if they go on a general strike. Therefore, we hope that the Ministry will take a decision as soon as possible,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Vice President of the Sri Lanka Customs Officers' Association, Geethanjana Madapatha, told the media yesterday that the unions would take strict union actions unless the Treasury’s decision was reversed. He also noted that services related to exports, essentials, and medicines will be provided continuously. He stated that the Customs workers have been disappointed by the decision taken by the Treasury.

Moreover, the President of the All-Island Container Drivers' Association, Sanath Manjula said that a large number of containers have been blocked due to the Customs' withdrawal from clearance services, adding that it could obstruct the other functions of the ports as well.

Several attempts made to contact Siyambalapitiya and Siriwardana proved futile.