Customs denies allegations on release of containers and their contents

Monday, 9 June 2025 01:34 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Sri Lanka Customs yesterday denied allegations on a recently released consignment of over 300 containers and their imported contents.

Speaking at the press conference, Customs Media Spokesperson and Additional Director General Seevali Arukgoda stated that thorough inspections were carried out, and nothing illegal or suspicious was found in the containers.

“All documentation related to the imports was verified before the containers were released. The contents matched what was declared, and we have no reason to believe anything illegal was involved,” said Arukgoda.

He explained that the containers included industrial raw materials such as plastics, yarns, chemicals, automobile spare parts, animal feed, machinery, pesticides, cement, iron pipes, fertilisers, and wood. Most of the shipments came from India and China, with others arriving from Indonesia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Switzerland, South Korea, and the UAE.

In response to public speculation suggesting the containers may have held contraband such as weapons, drugs, or gold, Arukgoda emphasised the Customs Department’s commitment to transparency.

“There were many rumours, but our procedures ensured all goods were verified according to import documentation. Still, to maintain public trust, we are conducting a post-clearance audit,” he added.

The Post-Clearance Department has already launched the audit, and a high-level committee appointed by the Finance Ministry Secretary is also reviewing the process. All necessary details have been submitted to the committee and the Criminal Investigation Department.

Arukgoda also denied any political interference or external pressure in the container clearance process.

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