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)

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