The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) rapped Sri Lanka on Friday for heavy customs duties on relief goods, blocking up aid at the port.
The AHRC says 100 container loads of relief are lying idle, with Non-Governmental Agencies unable to clear them due to heavy customs charges.
“More than 100 container loads of relief goods are reportedly lying idle at the port of Colombo as non-governmental organisations face difficulties in clearing the goods due to heavy customs duties, other charges and bureaucratic procedures imposed by the Sri Lankan government,” AHRC said in a statement.
"These customs hindrances are all wrong.
We are deeply disturbed by these latest developments," AHRC Executive Director Basil Fernando said.
The Hong Kong based Group has called on visiting UN and US officials to take up the issue with the Sri Lankan government and apply pressure for a speedy release.
"They all should ask the Sri Lanka government to remove all customs duties and bureaucratic barriers and