Sri Lanka to introduce online payment gateway at maritime port

An online payment gateway will be introduced for the first time at the Ruhunu Magampura Port in Hambantota, in an effort to ease delays in the clearing of cargo. According to Deputy Ports Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardane, the present system was too complicated and labour intensive because documents had to be processed at 13 different locations within the Port before the cargo was cleared. “The new online system when in operation will only require a truck driver to clear the cargo,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Priyath Wicrama, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, said that the 14-story administrative building being built will serve as a one-stop-shop as it will house all maritime related services under one roof. “Customs, Immigration, banks, freight forwarders and other maritime related services will be housed in this.” Dr. Wicrama said. He added that there are plans to introduce the system to the Colombo port as well.

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