Pannilage appointed to committee probing container release incident

2026-02-18 - 06:06

Minister Dr. Upali Pannilage has been appointed as a member of the Parliamentary Select Committee tasked with inquiring into the release of 323 containers from the Port of Colombo without mandatory physical inspection. The Speaker informed Parliament today (Feb. 18) that the appointment was made in terms of Standing Order 106. The Committee is responsible for investigating the release of the 323 containers without compulsory physical checks, reporting on the matter, and submitting its proposals and recommendations. The vacancy on the Committee arose following the resignation of Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation – Anura Karunathilaka, from its membership. Accordingly, Dr. Pannilage, who currently serves as Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, has been appointed to fill the position. The Committee operates under the chairmanship of Minister of Justice and National Integration, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara.