<h1>Customs Delays at Colombo Port Disrupt Manufacturing, Increase Costs, and Threaten Export Competitiveness. Urgent Action Needed.</h1> The port of Colombo in Sri Lanka is experiencing significant delays in customs clearance for import and export cargo, leading to disruptions in the manufacturing sector and missed shipping schedules. The joint trade chambers have urged immediate action to restore normal operations, highlighting the economic risks posed by these delays. Exporters face increased costs and potential loss of competitiveness due to missed shipping opportunities and delays in receiving imported inputs. The inefficiency has led some ships to bypass Colombo for more efficient ports, potentially resulting in a permanent loss of container traffic. Hundreds of import containers are currently stalled at the port.