Sri Lanka’s Deputy Finance Minister Anil Jayantha has said that an investigation has been initiated in the matter of the release of 323 red-flagged containers at the Colombo port.
Addressing the Parliament, Mr Jayantha said that the containers were reportedly released following scans to address congestion caused by an excessive number of containers. Responding to a query from Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Kavinda Jayawardena, Mr Jayantha confirmed that a discussion led by the President had been held with trade unions, assuring an inquiry.
He further noted that in some instances, containers were released through special committees involving customs officers after obtaining Cabinet approval due to congestion.
The minister added that red-flagged containers had been released after scanning in some cases, while others were released through the Green Channel without being scanned.
