Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) leader Udaya Gammanpila has accused authorities of dragging their feet over what he called a “gigantic fraud” involving the suspicious release of 323 uninspected shipping containers, saying those responsible would “already be in jail” if he had the power to act.
Gammanpila made the remarks today (9) after appearing before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), where he said he provided a detailed statement and supporting evidence as the complainant in the case.
Expressing frustration over the pace of the inquiry, he said, “If I had the power, all of them would already be behind bars.” He added, “Unfortunately, I don’t have that power.”
Gammanpila alleged that the release of the 323 containers from the Colombo Port was a deliberate act of corruption disguised as a measure to reduce congestion.
According to him, an internal investigation by the Ministry of Finance found that the justification used for the release—port congestion—was false. The report concluded that the then Director General of Customs had no legal authority to override standard procedures and release the consignments without inspection.
The PHU leader claimed that there remains a “reasonable suspicion” the containers may have contained weapons or narcotics, linking the decision to a surge in gun-related crimes. “So far this year, 99 shooting incidents have been reported, compared to 105 in the entire previous year,” he said.
Gammanpila also alleged political interference in the matter, highlighting the promotion of Sivali Arukkgoda—identified by the internal inquiry as the main culprit—to Director General just months before his retirement. “Despite the committee recommending punishment, the President promoted him, bypassing two senior officials. That sent a clear message: ‘I am the King of corruption,’” he charged.
Gammanpila said he expects the same level of transparency when these individuals are questioned as when opposition politicians are summoned, urging CIABOC to maintain impartiality.
Turning his criticism toward the Commission itself, Gammanpila questioned the credibility of its current Director General, Ranga Dissanayake, alleging that his appointment was politically manipulated.
He claimed that Dissanayake misled the Constitutional Council to secure the post, while another candidate, Madhava Tennakoon, had scored higher in the selection process. “If the President is truly against corruption, he should remove Ranga Dissanayake and appoint Tennakoon,” he said, adding that the Commission has shown “no urgency” in probing the container case—which he described as the “King of all corruption”—compared to smaller cases involving “corn or carrom boards.”
Responding to allegations by MP Nalinda Jayatissa that he was attempting to obstruct investigations, Gammanpila dismissed the claim as baseless. “Is exposing corruption obstruction or cooperation?” he asked, noting that over 150 CIABOC investigations have stemmed from his complaints.
He emphasised his long-standing record of challenging corruption “under six presidents,” even at the cost of his own ministerial positions.
When asked whether he still has confidence in the Bribery Commission despite his criticisms, Gammanpila said that while his faith may be limited, CIABOC remains the only lawful avenue to pursue corruption complaints. “Whether I like the Director General or not, this is the system we have—and both I and the people will continue to watch closely,” he concluded.
