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Expolanka denies involvement in release of red-flagged containers

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Expolanka Holdings has firmly denied any involvement in the controversial release of 323 red-flagged containers from Sri Lanka Customs without inspection.

This follows accusations linking the logistics company to the incident, which has sparked concern over customs oversight and possible illegal activity.

In a statement, Expolanka clarified its role, emphasizing that it operates exclusively as a freight and logistics service provider, not as an importer. The company further stated that neither it nor its subsidiaries had any part in providing freight, logistics, or customs clearance services related to the flagged containers.

The company’s founder and current Western Province Governor, Hanif Yoosuf, who has been named in the controversy by opposition politicians, has also denied any involvement.

Sri Lanka Customs also issued an eight-point statement addressing the matter, clarifying that none of the containers in question were imported under Expolanka’s name. Customs officials assured the public that there was no risk of illegal imports, such as firearms, gold, or narcotics, nor any loss of customs revenue from the release of these containers. They also outlined the standard procedures followed during the release of shipments, explaining the reasons behind certain delays.

The controversy was brought to light in Parliament by opposition MP Harshana Rajakaruna, who expressed concern over the lack of transparency regarding the contents of the uninspected containers. He questioned whether proper procedures were followed in releasing these shipments.

Deputy Minister of Ports Janith Ruwan Kodituwakku addressed these concerns, acknowledging that while the release of containers without inspection is uncommon, it sometimes occurs under specific criteria to alleviate congestion at the Colombo port.

He noted that a committee of three members was responsible for approving the release of the 323 containers. Kodituwakku explained that with over 2,000 containers arriving daily, it is not feasible to inspect each one and that expanding customs yards would be necessary to resolve ongoing bottlenecks.

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