Customs To Auction 1,025 Vehicles Left Uncleared At Hambantota Port

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Sri Lanka Customs says a total of 1,025 vehicles that have not been cleared by Customs, remain at the Hambantota Port. 

Out of these, 625 vehicles had been remaining at the Port for more than six months. 

Customs Spokesperson Chandana Punchihewa said importers have failed to clear the vehicles due to various reasons.

These vehicles had not been detained by the Customs Department. However, Punchihewa emphasized that they had not been cleared due to various reasons, including economic difficulties, a surge in imports, and an imbalance between demand and supply. 

Accordingly, he stated that Customs will proceed with steps to auction the vehicles or sell them through a tender process under Section 109 of the Customs Ordinance.

Customs Spokesperson Chandana Punchihewa stated that Section 109 of the Customs Ordinance permits the sale of vehicles with no defects through tenders or auctions, with the applicable taxes being paid to the government.

He explained that the remaining proceeds from the sale would be used to settle port charges and any other relevant payments, while the balance would be released to the respective importer.

Accordingly, the port operator has informed the Customs Department that the motor vehicles currently held at the port can be disposed of through a tender or auction process.

The spokesperson further stated that if any importer provides valid reasons for the failure to clear a vehicle from the port, they would be given the opportunity to reclaim the vehicle.

However, Punchihewa emphasized that even the process of selling these vehicles through tenders or auctions would require a considerable amount of time.

He explained that the vehicles must first undergo inspections, with engine and chassis numbers verified and relevant details checked for accuracy before they can be sold.

The Customs Spokesperson highlighted that the situation has placed an additional burden on the economy, as these assets remain idle while potential revenue continues to be tied up.