Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed has announced that the government is working to expedite the clearance of 80 containers stranded in Colombo, Sri Lanka, as part of efforts to prevent potential supply disruptions in the Maldives.
Speaking at a press conference held at the President’s Office, the minister said the move comes amid broader logistical challenges affecting shipments to the country. He noted that although travel between the Maldives and Colombo continues, a significant number of cargo containers remain delayed, with an estimated 4,200 containers currently held up.
According to Saeed, the government’s immediate priority is to fast-track the arrival of essential goods requested by the market, particularly sunflower oil and milk, which are among the country’s key staple items. He said these products fall under a list of core commodities considered critical for maintaining supply stability.
“The market has not run out of these items, but we are acting in advance to ensure there are no shortages,” the minister said, adding that discussions are underway with Sri Lankan authorities to prioritise the release and shipment of the selected containers.
The delays come against the backdrop of disruptions in global shipping and logistics linked to regional tensions, including ongoing instability in the Middle East. Officials said such challenges have had ripple effects on supply chains across multiple countries.
Despite this, the government maintains that proactive measures are being taken to shield the local market from potential impacts. Authorities say coordination is ongoing between the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade and other relevant agencies to ensure the uninterrupted flow of essential goods into the Maldives.
The expedited clearance of the 80 containers is expected to ease concerns and help maintain steady availability of key food items in the coming weeks.
