Minister of Labor and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Anil Jayantha has disclosed that prior to the recent controversy surrounding the release of 323 containers without inspection, an additional 575 containers were also cleared in a similar manner. This statement comes amidst an ongoing internal investigation by the Customs following a complaint by the Customs Officers’ Association.
Speaking to journalists during a visit to a goods clearance facility in the Bloemendal area of Colombo, the Minister confirmed that procedures related to customs clearance are being reviewed. “Investigations are being conducted regarding the 323 containers. Similar processes were followed earlier for 575 containers. We need to investigate whether any issues occurred during the release of those containers as well,” he said.
When asked about the allegations raised by customs unions against the administration, the Minister acknowledged that such conflicts are common in tense working environments. He assured that the investigation would yield answers soon, although not immediately.
A senior customs official clarified that the 323 containers in question were released in July 2024 as part of measures to address congestion in container clearance. The official stated that these containers contained low-risk goods and had undergone scanning prior to their release. However, the release of such a significant number of containers without physical inspection has raised questions about procedural integrity and the potential for misuse.
The ongoing investigation is expected to uncover whether the release of these containers adhered to established guidelines and whether any violations occurred. The disclosure of the 575 previously released containers adds another layer to the controversy, further emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in customs operations.
