What was of interest in President Dissanayake’s speech in Tokyo was his evasive answer to a question from the audience about the controversial release of 323 freight containers without Customs inspection from the Colombo Port in January 2025. It should have discontinued that controversial practice of releasing containers immediately after coming to power. A probe committee appointed by President Dissanayake has found irregularities in the release of containers at issue. Narcotics/precursors have been found in two containers which the Customs and the Police Narcotics Bureau claim to have inspected thoroughly. It is now clear that the government is trying to shift the blame for the controversial release of containers to the Customs.