Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Nalin Bandara has issued a clarification regarding the importation of 39 drones and 16 microphones into Sri Lanka without the required approval from the Ministry of Defence (MOD).
Speaking to the media today (09), MP Bandara said the equipment had been imported for a private business operated by his family, which is involved in renting and selling camera drones.
He explained that the business was established by his son, with his son and wife serving as directors.
According to the MP, his son's company had obtained the necessary approval from the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL).
However, he acknowledged that the required approval from the Ministry of Defence had not been obtained.
MP Bandara also rejected suggestions that the equipment had been smuggled into the country or brought in without undergoing customs clearance.
"There is a misconception that we brought these items into the country without customs clearance, as though they were smuggled goods. The notification is issued once the customs clearance process is completed. If we had brought in any goods without customs clearance, the authorities would have directly detained them," he said.
