News
SJB demands answers for releasing 323 red-flagged containers earmarked for mandatory inspection, without any checks
The SJB has demanded that the government explain how and why 323 red-flagged containers were released from the Colombo Port without Customs inspection.
Addressing the media at the party headquarters yesterday (29), SJB Gampaha District MP Dr. Kavinda Jayawardana said that the release of the containers was a highly suspicious operation.
“A total of 323 containers, which had been marked under the red label and required mandatory examination, were cleared for release without proper inspection,” Dr. Jayawardana said.
“The containers flagged in red by the computer system were identified for higher scrutiny. The government must explain why they were released without the checks.”
Customs unions have publicly distanced themselves from the decision, stating that they would not take responsibility for the goods contained in the released containers. They have also warned that the move poses a significant threat to national security and has resulted in a major loss of state revenue.
The SJB MP expressed concerns that a government that once campaigned against fraud and corruption was now facilitating questionable practices.
“How can a government that came to power promising to eradicate corruption allow such activities to occur?”
The Opposition also accused the government of failing in other key areas, pointing to its silence on ensuring justice for the victims of the Easter Sunday attacks. It has questioned why the current administration has not implemented the recommendations of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the terror attacks.
“These actions clearly show that the government is failing in its duties,” Dr. Jayawardana added. “The people deserve answers, and we will continue to push for accountability,” Dr. Jayawardena said.
The government, under heavy Opposition fire over inclusion of a sex website in the Grade 6 English module, as well as overall education reforms, has decided to put on hold reforms in respect of Grade 6.
Cabinet Spokesman and Media and Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced the government decision yesterday (13) at the post-Cabinet media briefing at the Information Department.
According to him, the decision had been taken at the previous day’s Cabinet meeting, chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Dr. Jayatissa said that education reforms pertaining to Garde 6 had been put on hold until 2027.
The Minister said that other proposed education reforms would be implemented as planned. The Minister said that action would be taken against those responsible for the inclusion of a link to a sex website following investigations conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department and the National Education Institute.
The SJB and several other political parties, as well as civil society groups, have accused the government of promoting an LGBTQ agenda, through the proposed education reforms.
The Opposition grouping Mahajana Handa, on Monday, made representations to the Mahanayake Thera of the Malwatta Chapter regarding the controversial reforms, while urging their intervention to halt the project.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday (13) vowed to go ahead with his government’s agenda, regardless of the destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
Emphasising the responsibility on the part of all to contribute to the post-Ditwah recovery efforts, President Dissanayake said that he would have complete faith in the public service.
The President said so at the launch of the re-building Sri Lanka project at the BMICH yesterday.
The JVP and NPP leader said that he wouldn’t take advantage of the death and destruction caused by the cyclone or use the situation as an excuse to reverse their agenda or weaken it.
President Dissanayake said that in spite of many calling for amending the then Budget, in view of the cyclone, the government presented the proposals that were agreed before the disaster struck.
The United States has announced that it will provide the Sri Lanka Air Force with 10 US Navy TH-57 helicopters free of charge.
The announcement was made by outgoing US Ambassador Julie Chung, who stated, on social media, that the helicopters would be transferred under the United States’ Excess Defence Articles programme. The aircraft are Bell 206 Sea Ranger helicopters previously operated by the US Navy.
US sources said that the transfer was intended to strengthen Sri Lanka’s disaster response capabilities, following the devastating cyclone that struck the island at the end of 2025 and killed more than 600 people. US officials have framed the move as a humanitarian measure aimed at improving aerial rescue and relief operations.
Fair weather will prevail except for a few showers in the Uva, Eastern, Western and Central provinces and in Galle, Matara and Rathnapura districts
Trump cancels US-Iran meetings, urges protesters to take over institutions
Govt. bows to pressure, shelves Grade 6 reforms
AKD: Govt. agenda on track despite Ditwah disaster
SL to receive 10 helicopters from US
Foreign couple held over alleged biopiracy at Horton Plains
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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