Political Interference Delays Release of Containers – Deputy Minister Anil Jayanta

10-Jul-2025

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A total of 323 containers have not been released due to political interference. A report submitted to the President will soon be presented to Parliament. 

Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Planning, Anil Jayanta Fernando, stated that an identical version of the report circulating on social media was already submitted to Parliament by an opposition member.

He made these remarks in Parliament on July 8, responding under Standing Order 27/2 to questions raised by the Leader of the Opposition concerning the release of the 323 containers.

He further elaborated, in January, the Ministry of Finance provided the Customs Department with necessary facilities to resolve the congestion occurring during the release of containers. The department was granted full authority to make independent decisions.

Against this background, the opposition accused the government of releasing 323 containers from Customs without any inspection. 

To investigate the matter, on 30 January 2025, the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance appointed a committee comprising five members at the request of the President.

The allegation that these containers were released without inspections due to political interference cannot be accepted. Should any irregularities be proven, appropriate action will be taken.

The report prepared by the committee appointed by the Presidential Secretary has been handed over to the President. We will present it to Parliament very soon. The version of the report being circulated on social media is the same one that was submitted to Parliament by an opposition member.