A high-level meeting was convened today (28) at the Presidential Secretariat under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The discussion included heads of the Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka Customs, and the Airports and Civil Aviation Corporation.
The meeting focused on key issues, including preventing the entry of illegal substances such as drugs, curbing corruption and irregularities at airport premises, and addressing attempts to leave the country illegally.
President Dissanayake emphasized the need for coordinated efforts among relevant authorities and directed the establishment of a joint camera system and a centralized surveillance room. He also called for the replacement of outdated scanners with advanced modern equipment to enhance the detection and prevention of smuggling.
Additionally, the President highlighted the importance of addressing public misconceptions about customs operations. He stressed the necessity of taking swift disciplinary and legal action to restore trust and ensure accountability within these institutions.
The meeting was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Vijitha Herath; Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala; Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake; Director General of Customs Sarath Nonis; Acting Controller General of Immigration and Emigration B.M.D. Nilusha Balasuriya; Director General of Finance (National Budget) Jude Nilukshan; Chairman of the Airports and Civil Aviation Corporation Air Chief Marshal Harsha Abeywickrama; and other senior officials.
