The release of 323 containers flagged for mandatory inspection by Sri Lanka Customs has raised significant concerns about corruption, governance, and national security. On January 21, it was revealed that these containers, which should have undergone thorough scrutiny, were released without any inspection. The incident has triggered public outcry and raised questions about the motives behind such a breach of protocol.
The President of the Customs Officers’ Association, Amila Sanjeewa, brought attention to the issue during a media briefing, emphasizing the inability to confirm whether the containers contained drugs, weapons, or other prohibited items due to the lack of inspection. The rapid release of these containers, within a short span of two hours on January 17 and 18, only deepens suspicions about the operation’s intent and the parties involved.
Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Janitha Ruwan Jayakody, responded on January 23, stating that the government would take responsibility if illegal substances were found among the released containers. However, this statement has done little to alleviate public concern. Critics have noted the lack of concrete action and transparency from the authorities, with many pointing out the need for a comprehensive investigation to determine the truth behind this scandal.
A letter from the Customs Trade Union Alliance to senior customs officials on January 21 further exposed the gravity of the situation. The letter outlined that all 323 containers were flagged by the Risk Management Division for mandatory inspection under the Red/Amber channel. The decision to bypass these risk management criteria has not only compromised public safety but also resulted in a significant loss of tax revenue. The letter also highlighted that several importers and clearance institutions involved with these containers had prior records of customs violations, yet their goods were released without scrutiny.
The incident has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with prominent journalists and political commentators raising critical questions about the scandal. Journalist Thilina Malalasekera pointed out potential links between individuals in influential government positions and the import sector, suggesting that the release of these containers may have been facilitated by high-level collusion. She highlighted that a former customs official now serves as a secretary to the president, while a prominent importer is currently a governor in the government. Thilina also speculated that this could be one of the largest frauds ever witnessed in Sri Lanka, urging investigative journalists to connect the dots and uncover the truth.
Another journalist, Sanjeewa Batuwatte, questioned why those who reported extensively on past financial scandals, such as the Central Bank bond scam, are silent about this container release incident. He raised critical questions about the contents of the containers, asking whether they carried drugs, gold, or weapons, and demanded clarity on who is responsible for their release and who stands to benefit from this breach.
The implications of this incident are far-reaching. The release of containers without inspection not only risks introducing dangerous or prohibited goods into the public domain but also undermines the credibility of Sri Lanka’s customs system. This act has deprived the state of significant tax revenue, further exacerbating the country’s economic challenges. Observers have drawn parallels between this incident and previous large-scale frauds, such as the sugar tax scam, garlic fraud, and coconut oil scandal, suggesting a recurring pattern of exploitation of public resources for private gain.
Adding to the suspicions is the delayed response and silence from certain authorities. While calls for an investigation continue to grow, critics argue that attempts to shift the narrative and divert attention only confirm the involvement of influential parties. The incident has also raised concerns about the misuse of power and systemic corruption, with some alleging that it reflects the collusion between government officials and private entities.
As the public awaits accountability, the release of these 323 containers highlights the urgent need for stronger regulatory oversight, transparency, and enforcement of customs protocols. On International Customs Day, this scandal serves as a stark reminder of the critical role customs authorities play in safeguarding national interests and ensuring the integrity of trade practices. The public’s demand for answers remains, as does the need for swift and decisive action to uncover the truth behind this controversial incident.
