President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized the importance of adopting a practical and modernized approach to combat smuggling and improve security at entry points in Sri Lanka. During a discussion at the Presidential Secretariat with the heads of the Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka Customs, and Airport and Aviation Services, he called for the replacement of outdated scanning equipment with advanced, modern scanners.
The meeting focused on preventing narcotics and other prohibited substances from entering the country, as well as addressing issues related to corruption, fraud, and irregularities at airports and customs. The President also stressed the need to halt unauthorized departures from the country.
President Dissanayake instructed the creation of an integrated camera system and a unified observation room, to be shared by the relevant agencies, aimed at enhancing coordination and monitoring efforts.
Additionally, he addressed the negative perceptions surrounding Sri Lanka Customs, emphasizing the need for strict disciplinary and legal actions to restore public confidence in the institution.