Shipping cargo received at the Colombo Port for distribution among people displaced by tsunami which have not been duly cleared by the consignees will be released to the Social Services Department for distribution among the intended beneficiaries without any duty said the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) yesterday.

A SLPA press release said among the goods lying uncleared at the Colombo Port are highly perishable food items, drinking water and milk food which had to be consumed without much delay.

According to port rules and regulations inward shipping cargo uncleared within 21 days had to be sold by tender since it was unsuitable to apply such rules and regulations to tsunami and the SLPA has decided to release uncleared tsunami aid lying at the Colombo Port to the Social Services Department without levying any duties.