Releasing of red-tagged containers to be probed: Deputy Minister

22 January 2025 07:46 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 10 Bookmark

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By Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera

Parliament, January 22 (Daily Mirror)- While admitting that 323 containers with red tags have been released through the green channel, Deputy Minister of Finance said today that an investigation will be launched into the incident.

He told Parliament that it is reported that they have been released after being scanned due to heavy container traffic.

Responding to a question by SJB MP Kavinda Jayawardane, the Minister said a discussion chaired by the President was held with the trade unions soon after they had released a statement regarding the matter and had assured them that an investigation will be held.

He said there are occasions where containers have been released through special committees with the intervention of the Customs officials after obtaining Cabinet approval due to container traffic.

He said there have been occasions where red-tagged containers have been released after being scanned and during some occasions, containers had been released through the Green Channel even without being scanned.

"We never know whether there have been investigations into those incidents," he said.

The Minister said that during seven occasions, some 584 containers had been released from July 25, 2024.

Comments - 10

Luan Wednesday, 22 January 2025 07:54 PM

Forget the past do the right thing now

4 21

Zarook Wednesday, 22 January 2025 08:02 PM

Ranil's fleas are everywhere (example Hulangona).

9 12

Loyal Wednesday, 22 January 2025 08:18 PM

Please refrain from wasting time on trivial/petty matters such as lunch for MPs or vegetables for the former presidents. This is clearly a diversion strategy aimed at distracting people from the pressing macro issues and the unmet promises of the NPP.

4 41

Justice Thursday, 23 January 2025 01:46 AM

Well said! Its foundation and the principle that justice must not only be done but it must be seen to be done.

0 4

R Navaratnam Thursday, 23 January 2025 12:38 AM

Encouraging the investigation be expedited for closure and lessons learnt to avoid such incidents.

0 1

Justice Thursday, 23 January 2025 02:38 AM

Please FREE up the judiciary from your grip/clutches then only the country will move forward. Then people can live without fear or favour.

1 3

Mohamed Adham Thursday, 23 January 2025 11:38 AM

So you want all the naky mynah's and all mynah's to fly free ...............................

0 0

Patriot Thursday, 23 January 2025 05:54 AM

We appreciate as honest and respectable citizens releasing of these containers.Most of the containers there is discrepancy in goods but supported by reasonsble documantation from foreign origin.How are importers going to survive if containers are detained for long tines.They have to pay the staff.

1 2

Sisil Sudesh Thursday, 23 January 2025 07:20 AM

Whenever an important question is raised the government resorts to the hackneyed tactics of recalling that similar incidents may have happened in the past. That is a pathetic attempt to avoid answering. Hope they have guts enough to answer questions forthrightly.

0 2

Terrence K Thursday, 23 January 2025 09:25 AM

The government is to be blamed because the backlog of containers should have been dealt in a speedy manner where the red tagged containers should have been given priority or some alternative location found to expedite the discharging these containers as this awareness was in the public domain. Knowing very well that there were intervening holidays pre-emptive meaures should have been taken to ensure the smooth functioning at the Ports. How can there be any dynamic solutions expected from this lot as they do not have a hands on experience since these Ministers are just passengers and could talk like the hind legs of donkeys. This government has always failed because they do not trouble shoot the urgent problems instead some of them travel in trains with seating accommodation just to show that they are actively involved in the problems of the public. Stop this bullshitting because already the public are aware of your incompetencies!!!!!!!!

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