Sri Lanka Customs has failed to complete investigations into around 965 detained containers as of the first half of this year, the Committee on Ways and Means informed Parliament.
According to Lankadeepa, a report submitted by the Committee revealed that the detained containers are lying either inside port terminals or at customs examination yards due to pending investigations.
Highlighting non-finalization of investigations and pending court cases as key reasons for the situation, the report pointed out that importers and exporters are frustrated with the customs appeal procedure which is time consuming and a lengthy process.
The importers and exporters seek a timely solution, calling for the investigations and appeals of customs to be finalized within a short period of time.
The report recommends amending the Customs Ordinance to make it on par with the 21st century and to expedite the customs related appeals and inquiries.
It has further recommended that the ordinance should be amended to reduce the percentage of money credited to the customs officers management and compensation funds ( Reward Fund). (NewsWire)