Select Committee continues probes on suspect container releases
The Parliamentary Select Committee appointed to probe the release of 323 containers from the Colombo Port without mandatory physical inspection met for three consecutive days last week in order to expedite the investigation. The Committee, chaired by Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, continued to record evidence and examine officials over the controversial clearance process.A group of senior officials from Sri Lanka Customs, including Director General Seevali Arukgoda, appeared before the Committee and provided evidence relating to the release of the containers without the required physical checks.The inquiry forms part of the Committee’s mandate to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and submit proposals and recommendations to prevent similar occurrences in the future.At the outset of proceedings, the Chairman informed members that Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Anura Karunathilaka, had resigned from the Committee. A new member is expected to be appointed in due course.The meeting was attended by several Members of Parliament, including Deputy Ministers and senior legislators, reflecting the cross-party composition of the Committee tasked with examining the issue.The Select Committee is expected to continue its sittings before compiling a comprehensive report with findings and recommendations for parliamentary consideration.
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