Introduction

In January 2025, Sri Lanka Customs authorized the release of 323 high-risk (“red-flagged”) containers at the Colombo Port without conducting physical inspections. The decision, made under the justification of reducing port congestion, triggered national debate over transparency, corruption, and possible political interference.

1. Timeline of Events

  • January 17–18, 2025: Sri Lanka Customs clears 371 containers, including 323 flagged as high-risk.
  • The process circumvents standard physical inspections mandated under Customs Risk Management Systems.

Sources:

2. Legal and Procedural Deviations

  • Standard protocol under the Risk Management System (RMS) requires red-flagged cargo to undergo physical checks.
  • In this instance, containers were cleared using document verification and limited scans only.

Key Figures:

  • DG of Customs B.S.C. Nonis
  • Customs Spokesperson Seevali Arukgoda

Rationale:

  • Customs claimed the practice had been in place since mid-2024 to manage congestion.

3. Political Scrutiny and CID Involvement

  • CID Investigations: Customs officials, including Arukgoda, were questioned following complaints from port union members.
  • Ministerial Oversight: A Cabinet-appointed committee chaired by Finance Secretary Ananda K. Seneviratne began auditing the process.
  • Bribery Commission (CIABOC) involvement was requested for further inquiry.

4. Dayasiri Jayasekara’s Intervention

  • MP Dayasiri Jayasekara was summoned by CID and demanded full transparency in Parliament.
  • He called for a public list of the consignees and their respective cargo.

Source:

5. Claims of Weapons and Contraband

  • MP Archchuna (Jaffna) alleged that the containers held LTTE-era weapons.
  • Customs rejected these claims, stating the contents included:
    • Yarn, plastic, machinery parts
    • Fertilizer, animal feed, electronics

Fact-checks:

  • No evidence of drugs, gold, or arms was found.
  • False links to Western Province Governor also debunked.

Sources:

6. Key Unanswered Questions

IssueConcern
Consignee listWho imported these containers?
Risk designationWere red-flags overridden improperly?
Physical inspectionsWhy were they skipped? Who authorized it?
Duty and taxesWere they paid? Was there a shortfall?
Internal memosAny written orders for release?
Post-clearance auditHas one been completed or released?

7. Public Perception and Future Risks

The release of the containers without transparency or due diligence undermines public trust. Customs’ justification under “risk management” is under heavy criticism.

Transparency demands:

  • Full publication of consignee details
  • CID and CIABOC reports
  • Stronger parliamentary oversight

8. Conclusion

The Container 323 incident has exposed serious systemic weaknesses in customs oversight and political accountability in Sri Lanka. Until clear answers are provided and reforms enacted, public confidence in trade transparency and border security remains fragile.

Video Coverage: