A 14 - day grace period has been given for motor vehicle clearance at the Magampura Mahinda Rajapaksa harbour, before the full clearing charges will be levied, Ports Authority chairman Dr Priyath Bandu Wickrama said. According to him, port charges will not be imposed for the first seven days from unloading and a 50 percent of the port charges

will be levied for the next seven days. Vehicle importers will be entitled to a grace period of 14 days before the full clearing charges are levied.

Motor vehicle unloading will be carried out from the Magampura Mahinda Rajapaksa Port by the end of this month. According to Ports and Highways Deputy Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena, arrangements are being made at the Magampura Port in this regard.

Port Authority sources said vehicle importers have agreed to this arrangement.

“Vehicle imports through the Magampura port will become more convenient since vehicles can easily be distributed to various parts of the country from the Magampura port. Vehicle distribution from Hambantota is rather cost effective since the Hambantota road network is less congested than the Colombo road network,” the sources said.
(DN02052012)