Uvaiz Samsudeen(Sam)
President
About Us
Founded in 1985, the Association of Clearing & Forwarding Agents (ACFA) Sri Lanka was born out of a shared need: to bring together the professionals navigating the complex interface between importers, exporters, Sri Lanka Customs, and port authorities. A small group of pioneering clearing and forwarding firms recognized that a united, standards-driven body could raise professionalism, advocate for smoother trade facilitation, and represent member interests in an increasingly globalized economy.
In its early years, ACFA focused on building credibility—developing common practices, encouraging ethical conduct, and creating a forum where operational challenges could be raised collectively. As trade volumes grew and regulations evolved, the association expanded its reach, welcoming members from across the island and strengthening its dialogue with government institutions.
Over the decades, ACFA has played an active role in supporting procedural improvements, sharing regulatory updates, and equipping members through training and knowledge exchange. The association’s collaborative approach has helped bridge the gap between policy and practice, ensuring that the voices of on-the-ground operators are heard in industry discussions.
In its early years, ACFA focused on building credibility—developing common practices, encouraging ethical conduct, and creating a forum where operational challenges could be raised collectively. As trade volumes grew and regulations evolved, the association expanded its reach, welcoming members from across the island and strengthening its dialogue with government institutions.
Message from the President
It is a great honour to be a President of the Association of Clearing & Forwarding Agents and my sincere appreciation to all the members who elected and placed their confidence in me. I have proved beyond doubt in the role I have played as a Gen. Secretary, which you all will agree.
Our theme will be ‘Together we can achieve much more’. The reason I have selected this slogan is that we have achieved greater heights in the past, but together we can achieve much more.
I must say that in the past few years, under the leadership of previous Presidnets, we have taken huge strides in the trade and today we are recognized as partners in this field. The Customs, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and the other stake holders have realized that no shipment could be cleared without a Customs House Agent or a Wharf Representative. I must thank the members of the EXCO who accompanied me at many meetings with the stake holders to make a big noise, and our presence felt.
This year, I propose to take the bull by its horns. With my dynamic team, I intend concentrating on a few areas which we could not concentrate due to unfortunate occurrences which all of us faced throughout in the past few years.
My main emphasis will be on continuous improvements for our CHA’s to have a smooth flow of work, training, membership drive, CSR projects , and fellowship (I don’t intend elaborating on those, but you will get to know soon)
The vice presidents will head the areas and all the EXCO members will be involved in executing these projects with the support of the general membership.
Further, I feel that the past presidents with abundance of knowledge have been very quiet and I believe they can be roped in to support us for the betterment of the association. Special programs will be made to incorporate them with their permission and support.
The other important factor, is that all the CHA’s and Wharf Representatives are not united, we have to come under one umbrella to make a huge noise for Customs, SLPA or any other stake holder to respect us.
A classic example is that ACFA requested the SLPA to waive off or reduce the annual fees of license, RPU and vehicle passes for 2021, we informed all CHA’s not to pay until we get a feedback from the SLPA, but within two months 82% had already paid. So, we lost the case...! This is because there is no unity amongst us in our trade.
Let us rally around and stay strong together to achieve much more.
Uvaiz Samsudeen.
President - ACFA
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