
Sri Lanka Customs today refuted allegations that the recently released 323 containers belonged to Expolanka Holdings Limited, led by Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof.
In a statement, Customs clarified that the containers were released by the Screening Unit, which was appointed on July 18, 2024, to address container traffic congestion.
It assured that the release process followed strict regulations, preventing any possibility of weapons, gold, or narcotics entering the country or causing losses in Customs duties.
The statement further explained that the Screening Unit operated under the criteria set by a Cabinet-appointed committee, which was tasked with resolving the congestion issue.
The release of the containers was carried out following the advice of the President and committee chair, Minister Bimal Ratnayake, on January 12, 2025.
Sri Lanka Customs emphasized that the committee’s actions helped reduce congestion, enabling a large number of importers to clear their goods efficiently and at lower costs.
It reiterated that none of the released containers were imported on behalf of Expolanka Holdings Limited and that all due procedures were followed.