Importers of essential commodities say that there are about 1300 containers of imported goods in the port of Colombo.

They say the containers have been piling up at the port for about three months, because of the failure to release dollars from banks.

They further point out that about 40 to 50 importers have been stockpiling goods for several months and have even had to pay late fees due to delays in their release.

However, a spokesman for the association said that they would like to see a solution in this regard if they like the current cost of living.