The Milk Powder Importers’ Association says they have not received USD required to release powdered milk currently held at the port, despite the government announcing that the required foreign currency will be provided through the Treasury to release containers of essential food items held up at the port.
Member of the Association Lakshman Weerasuriya said milk powder importers are facing a serious crisis as fines have to be paid to release stocks of milk powder that are held up at the port.
Weerasuriya said importers must pay for invoices for goods imported 90 days ago.
He said invoices from April have to be settled adding shipping companies will only release the containers once the payment has been settled.
He said they will have to pay an additional sum due to delays adding he is contemplating whether to return the shipments to Bangladesh.
Weerasuriya said if the situation continues, future shipments will be cancelled.
