News Today: The latest on the Sri Lanka red-tagged containers customs audit investigation 2025 now heading to Parliament for review.

The much-anticipated report on the controversial red-tagged containers released on January 18, 2025, will soon be presented to the Sri Lankan Parliament. The special committee appointed to investigate the matter has already submitted its findings to the Treasury Secretary, and the Government has confirmed that the report will be officially tabled in Parliament shortly.

Responding to a query by SJB MP Hector Appuhamy on August 6, Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando stated that a post-clearance audit has been launched by Sri Lanka Customs concerning the 323 red-tagged containers. Furthermore, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is conducting its own inquiry into the release.

The Minister emphasized that Sri Lanka Customs does not release any imported containers without inspection. Risk factor assessments determine whether containers undergo physical or alternative inspection methods before clearance.

Dr. Fernando explained that due to widespread misinformation circulating on social media regarding the containers, the Government appointed a special investigative committee. Alongside the committee’s work, an internal audit is also underway, and the findings will be made available to the public in due course.

To improve future efficiency and reduce congestion at the port, a steering committee was appointed on July 23, 2024, by Sri Lanka Customs. This committee has been tasked with exploring risk-based inspection methods that may bypass physical checks for low-risk shipments.

As part of its congestion management strategy, the steering committee approved the release of 2,527 containers deemed low risk and essential. These decisions align with international standards of customs risk management.

The report, once presented, is expected to shed light on any irregularities surrounding the container release and guide future policy on imports, risk assessments, and port operations in Sri Lanka.

Parliament’s review of the report will be a critical step in ensuring transparency and restoring public trust in the customs process.