Cabinet Spokesperson Nalinda Jayatissa clarifies there’s no evidence of ministerial involvement in the controversial container release at Sri Lanka Customs. Investigation reveals committee-authorized releases occurred 14 times before, reigniting public concern over red-tagged cargo clearance and accountability at the highest levels of government.
Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, who also serves as the Cabinet Media Spokesperson, has asserted that there is no documentation or directive proving that ministers gave orders to release any of the containers currently at the center of a national controversy.
Addressing journalists at the weekly Cabinet Decisions Media Briefing held on the 2nd at the Department of Government Information, the Minister responded to growing scrutiny surrounding the release of hundreds of containers flagged for further inspection by Sri Lanka Customs.
Dr. Jayatissa emphasized that containers marked with a red label at Customs are mandated to undergo both physical checks and scanning procedures. However, he acknowledged that during the end-of-year period, Customs often faces a surge in container volumes, leading to operational congestion. In such instances, decisions related to container releases are made by a specialized committee appointed by the Director General of Customs, not by government ministers.
The Minister further elaborated that, according to findings from the investigative committee appointed by President Anura Dissanayake, this Customs committee has approved the release of containers under similar circumstances on 14 prior occasions.
“This isn’t an isolated event,” the Minister stated. “There is precedent for such releases under recommendations from Customs officials, not political figures.”
Dr. Jayatissa assured the media that further action will be taken following a thorough review of the complete investigative report. He reiterated that the government remains committed to upholding due process and ensuring transparency in Customs operations.
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