News

SL Customs admits release of 371 containers without inspection

Published

1 month ago

April 18, 2025

editor

Sri Lanka Customs has confirmed that 371 containers were released without inspection on Jan. 18, 2025.

The revelation came through a letter issued by K.K.W.M.D. Silva, Deputy Director of Customs (Policy Planning and Research Directorate), in response to a Right to Information (RTI) query by ‘Aruna’ newspaper.

According to the letter, 62 out of the 371 containers had been cleared via the ASYCUDA automated Customs data system using risk management protocols, which exempted them from inspection.

The matter sparked controversy on Jan. 29 after it was reported that 323 containers had been released without the required inspection.

Since then, the Customs Officers’ Association has repeatedly leveled accusations at the Customs administration.

According to the letter, the containers were flagged for inspection under the red and yellow channels of the ASYCUDA system but were released based on scan reports alone, bypassing an inspection.

These containers were imported from a range of countries, including China, India, Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Switzerland, South Korea, Belgium, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Malaysia, Japan, and Bangladesh.

News

COVID subvariants spreading in Asia detected in Sri Lanka

Published

10 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Medical Research Institute of Sri Lanka has confirmed that the COVID-19 variant currently spreading in the Asian region has also been identified in the country.

Dr. Jude Jayamaha, a specialist in viral diseases at the Medical Research Institute, stated that patients infected with the Omicron subvariants LF.7 and XFG are being reported locally.

Dr. Jayamaha explained that this finding was confirmed through research conducted on biological samples collected from several hospitals across the island.

However, he emphasized that there is no need for undue fear regarding these COVID-19 variants.

Health authorities have also stressed the importance of vulnerable groups—such as pregnant mothers, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses—following health guidelines, including wearing face masks and avoiding crowded places.

Dr. Jayamaha reiterated that new COVID-19 variants emerge periodically, and health authorities are continuously monitoring the situation, so the public should remain calm.

(newswire.lk)

(This story, originally published by newswire.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Anudi misses out from Miss World Quarter-Finals

Published

11 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Miss World organization has announced its quarter-finalists, selecting 40 contestants from across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Sri Lanka’s Anudi Gunasekara, was not selected in the top 40, despite being recognized for her impressive performances in the Multimedia and Head-to-Head challenges.

The top 40 consisted of 10 contestants each from Asia & Oceania, Europe, Africa and the Americas.