Containers consisting of items banned from importation can be cleared for a bribe of around Rs. 5 million, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Justice Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe alleged today, referring to past such incidents.
Addressing the Parliament, the Justice Minister said that even though there were lists of items banned from importation, some containers have been released by Sri Lanka Customs, hinting that it could be done by paying a bribe of Rs 5 million.
The Minister pointed out that this was due to corruption within the state mechanism.
He further revealed that as a result, the Government has not received even 40% of the revenue due from Sri Lanka Customs, while the Inland Revenue Department is unable to collect its due amounting to Rs. 905 billion.
“Nobody prefers to invest a single rupee in this country owing to corruption which is in turn, attributed to corruption within the state mechanism. When we attempt to introduce an Anti-Corruption Bill, that too is opposed here,” the Minister said.
The Justice Minister further warned that steps will be taken to disclose to the public if officials from the National Constitutional Council and Bribery Commission are found to be disregarding their duties and attempting to aid corrupt activities. (NewsWire)
Nobody prefers to invest a single rupee in this country owing to #corruption which is in turn, attributed to corruption within the state mechanism. When we attempt to introduce an Anti-Corruption Bill, that too is opposed here. Not even 40% of the revenue due from @CustomsSL is… pic.twitter.com/7J6ATB8SOI
— Manthri.LK_Watch (@ManthriLK_Watch) October 3, 2023
