Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Member of Parliament Nalin Bandara has provided a clarification to the media regarding 39 drones and 16 microphones that were brought into the country.
He stated that these items were imported for a private family business and that the necessary approvals had been obtained from the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission and the Civil Aviation Authority.
However, he noted that the equipment was detained by the airport customs division because he did not possess documentation confirming approval from the Ministry of Defence. (He also presented the relevant documents during the briefing.)
“There is a misconception here an impression that we left without clearing the items, as if we were smuggling contraband. This notice is issued precisely when the clearance process is underway.” “If we bring in any goods without clearing them, those guys seize them immediately,” he added.