Six milk powder containers stuck at port imported unlawfully - Siyambalapitiya

 

Six containers of powdered milk stocks stuck at the Colombo Port had been imported in violation of import-export regulations, State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya says.

Milk powder importers recently alleged that 400,000kg of milk powder stocks are stuck at the Colombo Port are nearing the date of expiry as they were not released by the Customs on time.After the allegations came to light, State Minister Siyambalapitiya instructed the authorities to probe the matter and submit a detailed report on their findings.

Presenting the said report to the parliament this morning, the lawmaker stated that the importers have brought in the powdered milk consignment in question without complying with the import-export regulations.

As per the documents submitted to the Controller-General of Import & Exports, these milk powder stocks had not been imported for direct consumption, but to be used for chocolate and milk tea production, under the recommendations of the Industry Ministry’s secretary, Siyambalapitiya said further.