Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Nalin Bandara said he and his wife had declared the drones and microphones they brought from Singapore, and that Customs had held the equipment because the required Ministry of Defence approval had yet to be obtained.
Speaking at a press conference on 9 November, Bandara rejected reports that the goods had been brought into the country without being declared. The drones were found when his and his wife’s luggage was inspected at Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake.
Bandara said the small drones and microphones were intended for a family business founded by his son. The company sells and rents cameras and drones, and his wife and son serve as directors, he said.
The MP said the company had obtained approval from the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission and the Civil Aviation Authority. He added that his son had previously imported similar equipment by air and sea.
Bandara said he expected the goods to be released within days once the outstanding paperwork was completed and the applicable duties were paid.
