Western Province Governor files CID complaint over container allegations

Friday, 31 January 2025 04:37 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Western Province Governor Hanif Yusuf yesterday lodged a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), calling for a formal probe into allegations linking him to the clearance of recently released red flagged containers.

Addressing the media, he dismissed the accusations as politically motivated, claiming they were being spread by individuals who have been sidelined from the political arena.

Yusuf noted that the allegations were damaging to his reputation as Governor and warranted a thorough investigation.

“I cannot remain silent when my integrity is being questioned. That is why I have formally requested the CID to conduct a proper inquiry into the matter,” he said.

The controversy erupted after Opposition MPs and social media reports alleged that Expolanka Holdings, a company Yusuf co-founded, was involved in clearing the containers from Colombo Port.

However, the Western Province Governor had earlier categorically denied any connection to the release of 330 red-flagged containers.

In response to growing speculation, Sri Lanka Customs on Wednesday issued an eight-point statement clarifying the procedures followed in releasing 323 imported cargo containers.

Sri Lanka Customs confirmed that none of the shipments were imported under Expolanka Holdings name, and assured that the releases posed no risk of illegal firearms, gold or narcotics entering the country.

Additionally, it noted there was no loss of Customs revenue as a result of the containers’ clearance.

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