Opposition nabs Govt. over Customs Chief exit

• Urges FCID to probe sudden resignation of Jagath Wijeweera
• Calls for explanation from Finance Minister; questions efficacy of Presidential directives

Jagath P. Wijeweera

The Opposition yesterday launched a scathing attack on the Government over the sudden resignation of professional Jagath P. Wijeweera as Customs Chief on Monday.

The criticism comes amidst speculation that Wijeweera quit because of pressure though he cited “personal reasons” for his move. Wijeweera’s exit comes at a time when the new Government has been excitedly proclaiming a sharp rise in revenue due to improved governance and reduced corruption. 

However, SLFP MP Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena yesterday at a media briefing emphasised that the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) should investigate the allegations behind Wijeweera’s sudden resignation. 

He said that Wijeweera was strictly carrying out his duties in line with President Maithripala Sirisena’s recommendations and the resignation meant that the Government had not come to Wijeweera’s rescue. 

MP Thilanga Sumathipala requested the Finance Minister to give an explanation regarding the Customs Chief’s sudden resignation.

 “The Government clearly disobeyed President Sirisena’s instructions. It shows how they disrespect him. Therefore, we would like to ask President Sirisena to throw these ministers away and form a UPFA Government,” Abeywardena said in an indirect reference to Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake.

However, Karunanayake maintained that Wijeweera quit due to personal reasons amidst ongoing investigations on the lower collection of revenue by Customs in recent years. 

Ironically, at the time of his resignation, Wijeweera was also a member of the Sirisena-appointed Special Presidential Task Force for the recovery of illegally acquired state assets.

Though some have questioned the credentials of Wijeweera, the Sri Lanka Shippers Council on Tuesday was first to respond to Wijeweera’s resignation, expressing concern since he was effective. 

“Wijeweera has been one of the few Directors-General of the Customs who initiated a hands-on approach in solving issues faced by importers and exporters spontaneously. He was also spearheading the Customs initiatives on e-commerce and rendered an enormous service by providing leadership to his team and adopting a balanced approach with all stakeholders. We appreciate the efforts of Wijeweera and acknowledge his straightforwardness, honesty and transparency when dealing with the Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council and its associate members,” the Shippers Council said in its statement.

Trade circles claimed that Wijeweera quit due to differences of opinion with Minister Karunanayake. There were speculations that Wijeweera refused to accede to directives by the Minister, whose family owns a logistics firm.

The Daily FT on Monday reported Wijeweera was confident of increasing Customs revenue. 

He estimated a 10% growth in Customs revenue with the implementation of the new container scanning system.

“With expectations to minimise the revenue leakages, the department expects an income of over Rs. 650 billion by the end of this year,” Wijeweera told the Daily FT.