Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janitha Kodituwakku has stated that the government will take full responsibility if any illegal substances are discovered in the 373 containers that were released from the port without undergoing customs inspection. This action was reportedly taken to alleviate severe congestion at the port.
Addressing the issue, the Deputy Minister acknowledged the concerns raised about potential illegal activities and assured that a complaint has been lodged with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Additionally, an internal investigation is underway to determine whether any breaches occurred during the release of the containers through the Green Channel.
“The port is facing a significant challenge, with approximately 2,000 containers arriving daily. About 80% of these containers are for re-export, and the current infrastructure is inadequate to handle the increased volume. This has led to delays and congestion, prompting the decision to release 373 containers without inspection as a temporary solution,” Kodituwakku explained.
He also noted that shipping agents reported instances of 27 ships turning back after reaching Sri Lankan borders due to delays caused by congestion. However, the Deputy Minister emphasized that shipping agents alone possess the precise data regarding the locations and timings of these turnbacks, urging reliance on their information.
“The eastern jetty, which was initially scheduled for completion in 2024, was later postponed to 2027 before this administration came into office. Recognizing the urgent need to expand port capacity, we are now expediting efforts to complete the project within this year,” he added.
The Deputy Minister reassured the public that the government remains committed to ensuring port operations are streamlined while addressing safety and security concerns. “If any wrongdoing is identified, the government will be held accountable and appropriate measures will be taken,” he affirmed.
