All containers at Colombo Port are checked, says Navy

THE Navy Headquarters yesterday scoffed certain media reports that the Navy has stopped checking containers arriving at the Colombo Port.

A press release issued by Navy Spokesman Commodore Jayantha Perera said there was no truth in reports in certain newspapers that the Navy has stopped checking containers at the Colombo Port and added that this report misleads the public.

"The Government has not instructed the Sri Lanka Navy to that effect and the Navy will continue to check containers arriving at the Colombo Port with Custom officers," Commodore Jayantha added.

The press release said: "Due to various attempts by certain groups to bring in goods that can pose a threat to the national security, amidst the arrival of a large number of container goods to the country following the tsunami tragedy, it has been decided to check all containers brought to the country in ships from March 9. This decision was taken at a high profile meeting on March 7.

Following this decision, the Navy carried out checks on all containers from March 9 and Custom officers through their trade unions protested against the Navy involvement in the checking of containers. The Pettah Traders' Association also supported this trade union action by closing all their shops in Pettah.

Following this protest, at a meeting at the Finance Ministry on March 14 with the participation of the Navy Commander, Treasury Secretary and Director General of Customs, it was decided to check all containers by the Navy except for containers bound for BOI projects and the Government.

Accordingly, the Sri Lanka Navy continues to check all these containers with Customs officers without any disruption."