The Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) has issued urgent instructions to the Ministry of Finance to report the importation of 102 containers of spoiled fish into Sri Lanka to the CID, indicating potential criminal involvement. The directive came during a recent COPA meeting chaired by Hon. Lasantha Alagiyawanna, shedding light on a matter that has raised serious concerns about legality and public health.
The importation saga began when a ship, en route from Seychelles to Thailand, encountered technical issues near Sri Lanka, resulting in the spoilage of its cargo. According to the Auditor-General W.P.C. Wickramaratne, the vessel arrived at the port of Colombo on January 13, 2022. Instead of leaving following repairs, the containers, totaling over 2700 metric tons, were allowed into the country, sparking controversy.
Despite laws explicitly prohibiting the importation of spoiled goods, the containers were unloaded in Sri Lanka under dubious circumstances. It was revealed that a new Customs Declaration (CUSDEC) permit was obtained fraudulently, with a buyer acting as the importer, approved by a committee of Customs officials. Moreover, discrepancies in the invoice date and the ship’s arrival date raised further suspicions.
Out of the 102 containers, four were destroyed, 43 were repurposed for fertilizer production, 40 were re-exported, and 15 remain in the country. Shockingly, a physical inspection in July 2023 revealed that the remaining containers were still emitting a strong odor of decay.
Questions were also raised about the intended use of the spoiled fish. While officials claimed they were meant for organic fertilizer production, concerns were voiced over the primary business activities of the company involved, primarily in salmon production. Customs officials defended the distinction between the two businesses but faced skepticism from COPA members.
Hon. Lasantha Alagiyawanna expressed grave concerns about the environmental and health risks posed by the importation of rotten fish. Despite recommendations for a comprehensive investigation, delays were observed in appointing a committee to oversee the matter, prompting strong criticism from COPA members.
The meeting saw the participation of various stakeholders, including State Ministers, Members of Parliament, and officials from relevant ministries and departments.
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