39 drones brought by MP returning from Singapore held at customs

Sri Lanka Customs has detained 39 drones brought from Singapore by Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Nalin Bandara Jayamaha because the required regulatory clearances were not submitted. Customs spokesman Chandana Punchihewa said the equipment would remain in custody until the necessary documents were supplied.

UPDATE: Bandara says the drones and microphones were brought for his son's business, which sells and rents camera equipment. He denies attempting to smuggle the items and says they were declared to Customs. These are the MP's explanations, not findings announced by Customs.

He says some approvals had already been obtained, including from the Civil Aviation Authority, but acknowledges that the required Ministry of Defence approval was missing. Bandara attributes the gap to a misunderstanding about an existing document, says he regrets the error and is seeking the outstanding permission.

The MP describes the devices as small commercial camera drones rather than military equipment. He says his son's company previously imported similar products through air and sea cargo, and that he has submitted the available paperwork to Customs.

Bandara expects the drones could be released after the remaining documents are completed and applicable duties paid. That is his expectation, not confirmation of release. The earlier Customs statement requires regulatory approvals; the latest explanation does not establish that the requirement has been met or that the equipment has left official custody.

UPDATE: Further inquiries into the import are reportedly to be handled by the Criminal Investigation Department on the Inspector General of Police's instructions. The Defence Ministry is also expected to assess the detained drones. These reported investigative steps do not establish a criminal offence, a final assessment of the devices or their release from Customs custody.