A sudden resignation from the parliamentary committee probing the controversial release of 323 uninspected containers has intensified scrutiny over port governance and customs oversight.
Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilaka has stepped down from the parliamentary select committee investigating the release of 323 containers from the Colombo Port without proper inspection. His resignation comes at a sensitive stage in the high profile inquiry, raising fresh questions about accountability and transparency in Sri Lanka’s port operations.
According to parliamentary sources, the Minister has formally withdrawn from the committee, and a new member is expected to be appointed in his place. The committee convened for its third session on the 11th at Parliament, under the patronage of Minister of Justice and National Integration, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara.
During the hearing, several senior officials were summoned, including Director General of Customs Seevali Arukgoda. Evidence and documentation related to the container release incident were recorded as part of the ongoing investigation.
The special committee has been tasked with submitting recommendations and policy proposals regarding the bypassing of mandatory physical inspections at the port. The Chairman officially announced the Minister’s resignation before proceedings commenced, marking a significant development in this unfolding governance controversy.
