Opposition raises red flag over release of red-flagged containers

• Demands an explanation regarding identities of the importers  

By Yohan Perera 

Controversy over the release of 323 red-flagged containers swirls around further, with the opposition intensifying its demands for transparency.  The Freedom People’s Congress, led by Dullas Alahapperuma insisted that mere statements from the Director General of Customs and government spokespeople are insufficient to resolve the issue.   

He said the government’s response so far had been largely dismissive, suggesting that similar incidents have occurred under previous administrations.   Mr. Alahapperuma, in a media statement, said that the government cannot sweep it under the carpet merely through a press release issued by the Director General of Customs and remarks made to the press.   

 He demanded clear explanations regarding the identities of those who imported the containers, the nature of their contents, the date the orders were placed, the wharf clerks involved, and the panel of experts responsible for authorising their release without inspection.   

He also asked for the reports of the scanning process, if any. He also said that the government could absolve itself of any wrongdoing in this regard only by giving a proper answer to these questions.    

Meanwhile, highlighting that the 323 red-flagged containers which were released from the port without inspection may have contained dangerous goods, Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa yesterday said he will raise a question on the issue in Parliament next week.   

He is expected to raise a question under standing orders 27 (2) in the House next week.   
Mr. Premadasa came up with this information when he met a group of trade union leaders attached to Colombo Port at his office in Colombo.   

“We expect to raise a question in the House next week and we hope the government will come up with all details on the issue,” he said. House is expected to meet on Wednesday, February 5.   
“One wonders as to who requested the port authorities to release these 323 containers without subjecting them to inspection. How will the government guarantee that these containers did not contain any dangerous goods? According to our understanding, these containers did contain some dangerous goods, and they have now successfully entered into the country,” he added.   

“The country has lost revenue in the form of taxes through this exercise,” he also said.   

 Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof lodged a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) calling for a probe into the allegations made by various persons linking him to this instance.   He said allegations are politically motivated. “I cannot remain silent when my integrity is being questioned. That is why I have formally requested the CID to conduct a proper inquiry into the matter,” he said.