By: Staff Writer
June 10, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Customs has firmly rejected allegations of misconduct regarding the release of over 300 shipping containers earlier this year, following intense political scrutiny and public speculation.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Customs Media Spokesperson and Additional Director General Seevali Arukgoda stated that all necessary checks had been carried out before the containers were cleared.
“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,” Arukgoda said.
The containers, he clarified, contained legally imported goods such as industrial raw materials, chemicals, automobile spare parts, animal feed, machinery, pesticides, fertiliser, wood, and iron pipes. Shipments originated mainly from India and China, with others arriving from several Asian and Middle Eastern countries including Indonesia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, the UAE, South Korea, and Switzerland.
The clarification comes after Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) Leader Udaya Gammanpila released a list of 323 containers he claims were cleared without proper inspection. Addressing the media on 9 June before providing a statement to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Gammanpila accused senior Customs officials—including Arukgoda—of facilitating an irregular clearance process and attempting to cover up the matter.
Despite claims by some parties that the containers may have contained weapons or contraband, the manifest released by Gammanpila lists primarily non-sensitive goods such as printed cotton and polyester fabric, urea fertiliser, and bulk Portland cement.
“There were many rumours, but our procedures ensured all goods were verified according to import documentation,” Arukgoda insisted, adding that the department was taking additional steps to ensure transparency. “To maintain public trust, we are conducting a post-clearance audit.”
The Post-Clearance Department has already launched an internal audit, while a high-level committee appointed by the Secretary to the Finance Ministry is also reviewing the matter. All relevant documentation has been submitted to both the committee and the CID.
Arukgoda further denied any political interference in the release of the containers and reaffirmed the department’s adherence to due process. “Our officers acted according to the law. We remain committed to transparency and accountability,” he added.
The controversy has highlighted growing political tensions over Customs oversight, with public concerns amplified by unverified claims. However, officials stress that the facts, supported by documentation and audit processes, point to a legally compliant clearance procedure.
