Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB ) MP Nalin Bandara has defended his family business following the confiscation of 39 commercial camera drones by Sri Lanka Customs at Bandaranaike International Airport.
Speaking to reporters in Colombo, he said that the equipment was imported from Singapore by a venture directed by his wife and son for local sales and rentals.
The consignment included both drones and audio microphones intended for commercial video production.
Bandara clarified that the items were small photography devices rather than military grade equipment used in active combat zones such as Ukraine or the Middle East.
He rejected allegations of illegal smuggling, saying that the company had successfully secured initial clearances from both the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka.
He admitted that defense ministry authorization was missing, but noted that notification of this oversight arrived only after customs officers had initially processed the shipment.
