SriLanka, Feb. 7 -- Container operators will soon be governed by an independent legal framework as the government moves to amend the Licensing of Shipping Agents Act of 1972 to exclude them from its scope.
Under the proposed transitional provisions, existing licenses held by container operators will remain valid but will be legally transferred to the authority of the upcoming Licensing of Container Depot Operators Act of 2026.
The Licensing of Shipping Agents, Freight Forwarders, Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers and Container Operators (Amendment) Bill was presented to Parliament by the Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation on January 20, 2026. Once passed, the amendment will formally rename the principal enactment as the Licensing of...