Postal employees have raised serious concerns over alleged irregularities at the Central Mail Exchange, claiming that parcels and goods sent overseas through the Express Mail Service (EMS) are not being subjected to Customs inspections, resulting in substantial revenue losses to the government and the illegal export of valuable national resources, it was reported.
According to the Lankadeepa newspaper, postal employees alleged that large quantities of prohibited and restricted items are being sent overseas through the Central Mail Exchange without proper Customs clearance.
They claimed that Customs officers recently conducted a raid at the facility and seized a quantity of prohibited items that had been prepared for export.
The employees further alleged that a senior female official at the Central Mail Exchange had relocated the EMS unit without consulting relevant parties, following the formation of the National People’s Power (NPP) government. They also questioned the decision to designate the relocated facility as a 24-hour service centre.
According to the employees, several government institutions, including Sri Lanka Customs and Plant Quarantine authorities, previously operated within the EMS facility to monitor outgoing parcels and goods.
However, they alleged that the Postal Department has now assumed full control of the facility, enabling the unauthorised export of restricted plants, including Kothala Himbutu, Wallapatta and Blue Water Lilies, as well as antiques.
They further claimed that individuals who previously required export licences for certain goods are now able to send such items overseas without obtaining the necessary approvals.
A postal employee told the newspaper that the Central Mail Exchange functions as an international border through which goods leave Sri Lanka, warning that the alleged lack of inspections could allow prohibited items to be exported without restrictions.
The employee urged the Postmaster General and relevant authorities to intervene immediately.
Meanwhile, Customs Media Spokesman and Director Chandana Punchihewa confirmed that Sri Lanka Customs had informed the Postal Department in writing about concerns regarding the export of plants and similar materials without Customs involvement.
He said Customs expects the Postal Department to take appropriate action.
According to the newspaper, attempts to contact Postmaster General Ruwan Sathkumara for a response to the allegations were unsuccessful. (Newswire)
