Due to the continuous lobbying done by the Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council (SLSC) the War Risk Surcharge (WRS) has been withdrawn by some shipping lines on certain trade routes while DSR-Senator and Zim Lines have totally withdrawn the WRS on all trade routes.

Members of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Ceylon Conference (IPBCC) have withdrawn the WRS on the Colombo/Europe route and vice versa. However, some members of the IPBCC continue to charge the WRS on other trade routes, which are serviced by the same vessel that serves the Colombo — Europe sector. This does not have any logic and we believe that there are interested parties who would like to continue with the WRS to gain short-term profits at the expense of the image of the country. We have written to CASA requesting them to join hands with us and expect to receive a favourable response in due course.

There have been some instances where unscrupulous fraight forwarders have charged the WRS from importers in an unfair manner in an endeavour to make quick profits. We have brought these to the notice of the authorities. We expect the authorities to act fast to control this menace.