Shippers have alleged that claims made by Minister of Ports and Shipping, Mahinda Samarasinghe that the country's Shipping and Logistics industry brings in a revenue of USD 800 Million are completely false.
Speaking to 'ISIS' news, several spokespersons on behalf of shipping and logistics companies in Sri Lanka also refuted claims by the Minister that the country is home to 500 local shipping companies and 1200 staff employed by them.
Meanwhile, the shippers have also claimed that only a few local companies who have created an oligarchy in the industry are worried regarding policies allowing for Foreign shipping companies to operate in Sri Lanka. "Others are not concerned about it," they said.
The shippers also questioned if an oligarch is of any use to the development of the industry and who is benefitting from such a setup. They also expressed their concerns as to why no action is being taken against these companies which are even violating the constitution and if there are any connections between these companies and certain politicians belonging to the previous as well as the current government. According to the shipping companies, it is important for the Minister and the people to discover the truth regarding these issues.
They expressed these views when questioned regarding the 2018 budget proposals made regarding the Shipping industry. According to industry experts, the business oligarchy in the shipping industry should be done away with while encouraging market competition to develop the shipping industry.
While opposers of the policy have hinted at a breakdown of the industry due to the new policies however the shippers have also questioned as to how the entry of new companies through the reduced restrictions, increased employment opportunities and operations could lead to such a breakdown.