Sri Lanka, June 26 -- Hundreds of vehicles are stranded at the port, with hundreds more on the way, after Sri Lanka Customs abruptly halted the clearance of vehicles imported under cross-border Letters of Credit (LCs) starting May 26, this year.

The move has disrupted a standard industry practice of over a decade, leaving importers facing mounting demurrage charges and significant financial uncertainty.

According to the Vehicle Importers' Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL), 200-300 vehicles are currently stuck at the port, with another 300 in transit. The sudden blockage stems from Customs' decision to enforce a clause in a 2013 gazette notification.

"Since 26th May onwards, Sri Lanka Customs has blocked the vehicles," VIASL President Pr...