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Customs seize 3 containers linked to organized crime gang

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Sri Lanka Customs has seized three shipping containers imported by an organized crime gang under false declarations.

The consignment from Dubai is said to be worth over Rs.120 million, and contains a large stock of goods including food items such as turmeric, ginger, coffee, chocolates, cashew nuts as well as cosmetic products, soap and clothing.

The containers were discovered at a private cargo clearance facility in Dematagoda, Colombo.

A team of officials, including Director General of SL Customs – Sarath Nonis as well as Customs Media Spokesman and Additional Director General – Sivali Arukgoda had inspected the seized goods.

Upon inspection, the seized containers were found to hold 06 MT of turmeric, 03 MT of ginger, 03 MT of cashew nuts, and 1.5 MT of coffee beans.

These food items had been imported without the approval of the Plant Quarantine Division, while the cosmetic products, valued at millions of rupees, had been brought in without obtaining the necessary approval from the National Medicine Regulatory Authority of Sri Lanka (NMRA).

The Customs Media Spokesman had also stated that if these goods had not been intercepted, the government would have lost over Rs.120 million in tax revenue.

Investigations also revealed that the addresses provided for the shipment’s consignees were fake.

The Customs Media Spokesman also stated that steps will be taken to arrest individuals involved in this racket.

He also stated that around 07 cargo clearance companies are operating in Colombo, with organized crime gangs allegedly linked to these firms.

Customs officials have stated that the seized turmeric and ginger stocks will be inspected by the National Plant Quarantine Service before being distributed to the public through Sathosa, while the clothing and footwear will be sold through a Tender process.

Meanwhile, cosmetic products and soaps imported without NMRA approval will be destroyed, according to Customs Media Spokesman.

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President offers condolences at Vatican Embassy (Pics)

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President Anura Kumara Disanayake paid a visit to the Vatican Embassy this afternoon (24) to extend his condolences on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.

Upon his arrival, the President was warmly received by Most Reverend Archbishop Brian N. Udaigwe, the Apostolic Nuncio of the Vatican to Sri Lanka.

Following a brief discussion with Archbishop Udaigwe, President Disanayake signed the book of condolence, conveying, on behalf of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka, heartfelt sympathies to the global Christian community on the demise of His Holiness Pope Francis.

(President’s Media Division)

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Schools islandwide to close for LG polls

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The Ministry of Education has announced that all schools across the country will be closed on May 05 and 06 due to the Local Government elections. 

The Ministry further stated that schools will resume normal operations on May 07.

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Sri Lanka declares April 26th a national day of mourning

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The Sri Lankan government has decided to declare April 26, 2025, a National Day of Mourning in view of the late Pope Francis’s funeral.

In a statement, the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government  announces that all national flags at state institutions will be flown half-mast on April 26.

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