The Lanka Wharf Services Union has dismissed recent allegations regarding the release of certain containers by Sri Lanka Customs as politically motivated and aimed at discrediting Government procedures. 

The union clarified that such releases have occurred in the past and may continue in the future, under standard protocols.
Speaking at a media briefing held yesterday (12) at the Sambodhi Vihara in Malwatta Road, Colombo, where the recent release of 324 containers was discussed, Union President Ranjith Liyanarachchi stated that Sri Lanka Customs follows established procedures to examine and clear imported containers.

“With over 34 years of service, I can confirm that containers are never released without scrutiny. Customs conducts random inspections, scans, and document verifications. Of the nearly 1,500 containers arriving daily, only a select number are inspected based on documentation. During periods of backlog, even with all three terminals operating, congestion cannot be avoided. If every container were to be physically checked, ships would be delayed or rerouted- as has happened in the past,” Liyanarachchi explained.

He added that even containers released to external destinations can be re-inspected if necessary, and that Customs tracks their destination and the importers’ history, sometimes spanning over a decade. “All documentation is reviewed before release. We are confident that only the declared goods are present in the released containers.”

Union Secretary Irshad Niyas echoed this stance, adding,” There is still public commentary on the container releases. Previously, when there were long queues and public frustration over road blockages, Customs officers worked efficiently to reduce delays. The current criticism is being unfairly directed at the Minister, but these decisions are taken collectively by Customs teams, not individuals.”

Niyas also refuted sensational claims made in the media and on social platforms that firearms, bombs, or gold were found in the containers. “These are baseless. Some even falsely claimed the containers belonged to the Western Province Chief Minister. None of that is true. Customs and port operations are currently functioning very well. If weapons were truly involved, complain to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), not just shout accusations in public. Customs has scanning systems and follow-up mechanisms. If needed, any container can be re-inspected at any time,” he said.

Referring to a list circulated by former Minister Udaya Gammanpila, Niyas stated, “According to our practical knowledge, none of the containers on that list pose any issue. We speak from experience.”

Union Vice President Nilantha Kumara and Treasurer H.Irshad also spoke at the event.

(dailynews.lk)