A white‑colored container box was found washed ashore this morning (03) in the Owakanda area of Rathgama.

Police said it is suspected to be the empty container that toppled into the sea from a vessel near the Colombo coast the previous day.

Following notification by Rathgama Police, officers from the Southern Province Marine Environmental Protection Authority inspected the container. 

They later removed debris, including regiform pieces, that had spilled onto the beach.

Authorities are continuing inquiries into the incident. (Newswire)

The post Container suspected to be lost cargo washes ashore in Rathgama appeared first on Newswire.

Two young motorcyclists were killed late on July 29 when their motorcycle collided with a container truck turning across the road in the Bolawalana area along the Negombo–Minuwangoda Road.

The Police said the victims, aged 18 and 20, were residents of Dagonna, Negombo. The accident occurred at approximately 11:10 pm as the motorcycle was travelling at high speed towards Negombo.

Following the crash, officers from the Katana Police Station arrested the driver of the container truck. However, a group of individuals gathered at the scene became unruly and deliberately set fire to the truck, causing extensive damage.

Police investigations into the arson led to the arrest of three suspects last evening (30). The suspects, aged 20, 25, and 26, are residents of Dagonna and Kimbulapitiya in Negombo. Officers also recovered another motorcycle abandoned near the scene.

Authorities confirmed that further investigations are underway to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in the destruction of the vehicle, with police relying on CCTV footage and other available evidence. (Newswire)

The post Three arrested after container torched in Negombo following fatal collision appeared first on Newswire.

Traffic along the Dematagoda–Peliyagoda route was disrupted this afternoon (08) after a container overturned at the Orugodawatta junction within the Grandpass Police Division.

Police said the container, travelling from Avissawella towards Peliyagoda, toppled while attempting a right turn, blocking two lanes of the busy roadway.

To ease congestion, authorities diverted vehicles from Dematagoda to Peliyagoda and vice versa through the Peliyagoda–Dematagoda lane, ensuring movement in both directions despite the obstruction.

The Police added that measures are underway to restore the road to normalcy as quickly as possible. (Newswire/ Image- Accident1st)

The post Traffic disrupted : Container overturns at Orugodawatta Junction appeared first on Newswire.

The Container Transport Owners’ Association announced today that container transport fares have been increased by 5%.

Association Chairman Sanath Manjula said container transport fares have been increased with effect from today, June 1.

He made the announcement while addressing the media today. (Newswire)

The post Container transport fares increased by 5% appeared first on Newswire.

Opposition MP Ajith P. Perera has revealed that a request made by committee members to summon four key witnesses before the Parliamentary Special Committee appointed to investigate the release of 323 containers from the Colombo Port without mandatory physical inspection was rejected today.

In a statement on social media, MP Perera said the request was rejected by government‑representing members through a majority vote. The committee is composed of 8 government MPs and 4 opposition MPs.

The witnesses proposed for testimony included Finance and Economic Development Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake, former Ports Minister Bimal Ratnayake, former Deputy Minister Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku, and the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development. 

The opposition argued that their evidence was vital to clarify questions surrounding the decision to charter 323 containers from the Colombo Port without mandatory physical inspection.

In a letter dated April 7, 2026, addressed to Committee Chairman Harshana Nanayakkara, opposition members had formally requested the summoning of these witnesses. However, the government side voted down the proposal. (Newswire)

The post Opposition says committee request to summon key witnesses in 323 container probe rejected appeared first on Newswire.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Mujibur Rahman has raised concerns in Parliament over the release of more than 300 unexamined containers earlier this year, demanding answers from the government.

Speaking in Parliament, Rahman criticized the Police Spokesperson’s recent comments regarding the release of two containers, questioning how the police could issue statements when the Customs Department itself is yet to issue a statement.

“How can he make comments when Customs has not even made a comment on it?” Rahman asked, adding that police often act to protect the government of the day.

“This has happened before too. This is not something new. We ask you to respond to our questions about the complaints lodged with the CID and the Bribery Commission,” he said, referring to a statement made earlier by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Rahman further stressed that responsibility could not simply be shifted to Minister of Ports Bimal Rathnayake, stating, “This is the President’s subject.”

The MP also questioned the recent appointment of a new Director General of Customs, alleging that the official faced charges which implicates him in the container release investigation. “If that is the case, then this must be a friend of the President,” Rahman remarked. (Newswire)

The post Mujibur questions statement by Police spokesman on controversial container release appeared first on Newswire.

National Freedom Front (NFF) Leader Wimal Weerawansa reported to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) today. 

Weerawansa has arrived at the CID to record a statement regarding his claims on the controversial release of 323 containers by Sri Lanka Customs earlier this year.

He has reportedly been summoned to provide a statement based on comments he made at a media briefing held on January 29, 2025, concerning the matter. (Newswire)

The post Wimal questioned by CID over container comments appeared first on Newswire.

Minister of Ports Bimal Rathnayake says that disciplinary and legal action will be taken against officials found to be linked to the controversial release of 323 containers by Sri Lanka Customs earlier this year.

Speaking to reporters, Minister Rathnayake said, “Legal action will be taken against officials found to have committed serious offences.”

He further said that the Committee appointed by the President to look into the matter has found that some mistakes related to inspection had occurred on the side of the Customs Officials. 

Minister Rathnayake assured that the President will take the necessary decisions based on the findings of the report by the committee. 

“Some key factors were found through this committee. One is that a shortcoming or mistake on the Sri Lanka Customs side. Based on the findings of the committee report, the subject minister and ministry secretary will take the necessary actions,” he said. 

Minister Rathnayake further slammed the opposition for attempting to politicise the issue, based on baseless allegations and rumours. (Newswire)

The post Release of 323 containers : Minister assures action against officials appeared first on Newswire.

Opposition MP Mujibur Rahman alleged that several irregularities had been identified in the report on the controversial release of 323 containers by Sri Lanka Customs earlier this year.

Speaking in Parliament, Rahman referenced the investigation report, which claimed the containers were released to ease congestion at Customs and port facilities. However, he said the report noted that the move represented a clear departure from established Customs policy.

“The actual number of containers released on January 18, 2025 was 309 according to this report, although it was said that 323 containers were released,” Rahman said.

The report also included a statement from Additional Customs Director General Seevali Arukgoda, who was assigned to monitor a three-member committee appointed to look into the incident. Rahman said only one committee member was present during the inspection, with Arukgoda acting in both roles—as a committee member and as the monitoring officer.

“The Director General of Customs has appointed this committee to release red containers following their inspections,” he said.

Rahman said the Customs risk management policy requires red label containers to be scanned and physically inspected; yellow label containers to be scanned and sample tested; and green label containers to undergo only document checks.

“This committee had only been authorised to release red label containers, not yellow ones,” he said. “But what has happened? The committee has released 158 yellow containers which had to be scanned and samples obtained. Meanwhile, 37 red label containers have been released without scanning out of 151 containers. This is where the doubt springs. Can you say that this doubt is unjustified?” He questioned.

In February, the Ministry of Finance appointed a separate committee, chaired by Deputy Treasury Secretary A.K. Senaviratne, to investigate the release of the containers without proper customs inspection. (Newswire)

The post 323 container issue : MP Mujibur tables investigation report appeared first on Newswire.

One person was reported injured after a container toppled onto a three-wheeler near the Orugodawatte junction this morning.

It is reported that a container travelling from Avissawela to Ingurukade had toppled over at around 02.30 am today.

The driver of the three-wheeler was hospitalised with serious injuries, while the vehicle was completely destroyed in the incident. (Newswire/ Image – Accident1st)

The post One injured as container topples onto three-wheeler (CCTV) appeared first on Newswire.

Former Minister Udaya Gammanpila says he is prepared to publicize a list of the controversial 323 containers released by Sri Lanka Customs earlier this year.

Speaking to the media, Gammanpila alleged that officials, including Customs Spokesperson Deputy Director General Seevali Arukgoda, were involved in the improper release of the goods in question.

He made these remarks before appearing at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) this morning to record a statement regarding the matter.

“The government is unable to refute any of our revelations, as we speak only the truth. We do not make claims without evidence,” he said.

The development follows a complaint lodged by an attorney-at-law seeking an investigation into Gammanpila and MP Dayasiri Jayasekera over their claims concerning the release of the containers by Sri Lanka Customs. The two politicians alleged that the containers were released without proper inspection.

Meanwhile, MP Archchuna Ramanathan last week told Parliament that the containers contained weapons belonging to the late LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran—a claim publicly denied by Sri Lanka Customs during a media briefing held over the weekend. 

Gammanpila also claimed that the chair of the committee responsible for releasing the containers was Customs spokesperson Seevali Arukgoda, who had denied all allegations against the Customs during the briefing.

“Journalists were seen questioning the officials involved in the release, asking whether those responsible would be punished—as if they would reveal the truth. There are attempts by these officials to flee the country; therefore, we will request the CID to impose a travel ban,” Gammanpila added. (Newswire)

“I hope to publicise the 323 container list. We only speak the absolute truth,” former minister Udaya Gammanpila, on the controversial release of over 300 containers by Sri Lanka Customs. Gammanpila said that revelations made by him thus far have not been rejected by the… pic.twitter.com/x4fj3Zy7KC

— NewsWire (@NewsWireLK) June 9, 2025

The post Gammanpila ready to publicise list of 323 containers appeared first on Newswire.

An Attorney-at-Law has filed a complaint with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) seeking a probe into politicians Udaya Gammanpila and Dayasiri Jayasekera’s continuous claims regarding the over 300 containers that were allegedly released by Sri Lanka Customs without proper inspection. 

Speaking to the media, Nalin Sampath Kumara said the two politicians have repeatedly claimed, on social media and mainstream media, that a rise in crime has been reported following the release of these containers. 

He said the politicians have also raised doubts whether weapons and narcotics had been smuggled in through these containers, now been released. 

Stating that no complaint or probe has been conducted into the allegations, Nalin Sampath Kumara said he has filed a complaint with the CID, seeking the politicians to be summoned and interrogated over the matter.

“They cannot be repeatedly making these claims without proof or evidence related to the containers. As ordinary citizens, it is our right to know the truth in this instance. It is essential to investigate and find out if it is related to an increase in the recent crimes reported in our country,” he added. (Newswire)

The post Container allegation : CID complaint against Gammanpila & Dayasiri appeared first on Newswire.

Deputy Finance Minister Anil Jayantha acknowledged in Parliament that 323 red-flagged containers had been released through the Green Channel. 

Addressing the Parliament yesterday, he said that an investigation into the matter has been initiated.

The minister explained that due to congestion caused by an excessive number of containers, they had been released following scanning, as reported. 

Responding to a question raised by Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Kavinda Jayawardena, the minister said a discussion with trade unions was held under the President’s leadership after the unions issued a statement on the matter, and an investigation was assured.

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.

“We are unaware whether investigations have been conducted into these incidents,” Jayantha said.

The minister also disclosed that from July 25, 2024, approximately 584 containers had been released across seven instances. (Newswire)

The post 323 containers cleared without inspection : Govt confirms inquiry appeared first on Newswire.

A Sri Lankan couple has been apprehended while attempting to illegally flee overseas via a cargo container on a Singapore-owned vessel, it was reported.

According to Lankadeepa, the couple had travelled 08-days in a cargo container on the vessel before being caught. 

The couple has been identified as a 40-year-old man from Trincomalee, temporarily residing in Wattala, who had been involved in an extramarital affair with the 27-year-old female suspect from Palliyawatte in Wattala.

The man, who works as the driver of a container truck at the Colombo Port, had concealed and transported the woman into the port in his vehicle, after which he and the woman had managed to sneak into an empty cargo container of a Singapore-owned vessel anchored at the Colombo Port. 

The couple had travelled inside the container for eight days after which the vessel had reached Malaysia, where the couple had attempted to leave the container and had been spotted by the Ship Captain.

Upon being questioned, the Ship Captain had attempted to hand over the couple to the Malaysian authorities, who had refused to take custody.

The couple were thereafter, taken on the ship to its final destination in China, and were handed over to the Chinese authorities. 

The couple, who had attempted to illegally flee Sri Lanka to find a living overseas, have been repatriated to Sri Lanka by the Chinese authorities. (NewsWire/ Image- File Pic)

The post Sri Lankan couple caught after 8-day hidden cargo ship ride appeared first on Newswire.