Saturday May 18, 2024
Saturday May 18, 2024
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State Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya inspected various illegal consignments, whilst insisting on further strengthening and broadening the Customs net.
He made this observation following his field visit to inspect the congestion of containers at the Orugodawatta customs terminals due to the delay of the wharf operators yesterday.
The State Minister noted that the large release of containers after two long holidays was also the reason for this congestion.
A consignment of cigarettes imported by a BOI-approved company under the pretext of importing machinery was observed by the State Minister. The consignment consisted of 556,000 million cigarette sticks which were forged to look like a machine.
Siyambalapitiya pointed out that its value is around Rs. 85 million and the amount of tax levied on the cigarettes is about Rs. 70 million.
He also observed five dismembered vehicles found in a container imported from Japan. Among those vehicles were four jeeps and a car. In addition, 18 motorcycles imported without declaring to Customs have been found there.
A stock of illegally imported alcohol worth about Rs. 650,000 and a stock of wine imported as disinfectants were also observed by the State Minister.
Against this backdrop Siyambalapitiya insisted on strengthening the Customs net, pointing out that smugglers are trying to sneak through the loopholes in the system using modern and sophisticated methods.
He also appreciated the efforts of the Customs officials to bring the parties involved in such illegal activities before the law.
The State Minister disclosed that a special report containing proposals to strengthen the Sri Lanka Customs, Excise Department and Inland Revenue Department will be submitted to President Ranil Wickremesinghe on 31 May.
