The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri

¶ 01 Hon. Minister, thank you very much.

¶ 02 Hon. Minister, your answer clearly states the figures of revenue and expenditure of our ports, especially for 2024: revenue LKR 99 billion and expenditure LKR 56 billion.

¶ 03 Hon. Speaker, the main income to ports comes from container-related tariffs and port charges arising from imports and exports. However, Hon. Minister, the long-standing issue is the loss of revenue that should accrue from those containers to the port. This has been happening even during your time. There is a public allegation that such revenue is lost due to someone’s influence. Containers that should be lawfully released on payment of port charges and customs duties are being released under influence. Therefore, our due revenue has been reduced. This has happened historically and is happening now. Through the release of containers under influence, bypassing the inspections of Customs officers at the port, the country and its people lose money. If this is happening now, it is wrong. Hon. Minister, have you identified these wrongdoings, and will you, regardless of rank, take steps to punish those responsible over the years? Because you are a Minister who always speaks with your hand on your chest and in good conscience.