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Irregularities at Sri Lanka Customs revealed at COPA

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It was disclosed that there are many administrative shortcomings and irregularities in Sri Lanka Customs at the COPA meeting held.

This was disclosed when the Committee on Public Accounts met in Parliament recently (17) Chaired by Lasantha Alagiyawanna to look into the reports of the Auditor General of the Sri Lanka Customs for the years 2019, 2020 and 2021 and its current performance.

COPA drew attention to the financial advantage provided to the concerned institution by presenting fake local information during the release of warehouses brought by a private institution for the water development project in the Eastern Province. Accordingly, during the release of the goods which the concerned private company had warehoused as USD 5,139,621, locally prepared forged documents were used to pave way and obtain USD 1,210,743 in excess for the concerned company when the value shown was USD 6,350,364. Thus, COPA recommended that a report in this regard to be given within a month.

The status of the introduction of new technology by Customs was also discussed at the Committee meeting held. Accordingly, the officers who were present pointed out that currently a system called “Azikuda” is being used to maintain data and it is connected to the Ramis system. Furthermore, a new technology system will be introduced in the future.

Furthermore, attention was also directed to the measures taken regarding the amendment of the Customs Ordinance Act and the officials mentioned that the amendments in this regard will be submitted to Parliament in January 2024.

Due to non-disclosure of correct information while bringing coal to Norochchole thermal power plant, VAT was not charged as an additional tax in the customs investigation to recover the undercharged VAT of nearly 187 million rupees, and a penalty of 205 million rupees was imposed and 70% of the received amount was allocated to the rewards and welfare of the officials and the committee questioned the officials. Accordingly, officials pointed out that they have started discussions with the Ministry of Finance to start a program so that this kind of things does not happen again.

Discussions also took place regarding the use of fingerprints for reporting to duty by customs officials and the officials pointed out that it is difficult to record fingerprints in the most secret operations and in practical situations. COPA suggested the use of fingerprints in other routinely functions and to use a written record during special operations.

It was also discussed that the scanner purchased to check the import and export containers could not meet the expected plans.

The issue of non-exempted vehicles in the possession of customs was also discussed at the Committee meeting held.

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Japanese embassy hands over medical equipment to Jayewardenepura hospital

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Japanese ambassador – Mr. Mizukoshi Hideaki today (Dec. 06) handed over medical equipment to Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital. 

The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Minister of Health – Dr. Ramesh Pathirana and State Minister of Health – Dr. Seetha Arambepola. 

The event underscored the deep bonds between the two nations and Japan’s collective commitment to bolstering healthcare infrastructure in Sri Lanka.

This significant occasion marks the transfer of crucial medical equipment to Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, strengthening its capabilities to provide quality healthcare services. The equipment handed over includes an Anesthesia Workstation, an Automated Refractometer, three ICU Beds, a Recovery Bed, three Slit lamps, 5 Bedside Monitors, and one Surgical Instrument set.

Ambassador Mizukoshi stated, “Today, I am delighted to witness the handover ceremony for the initial batch of this equipment, underscoring our commitment to advancing healthcare in Sri Lanka.” 

The embassy notes that the collaboration between Japan and Sri Lanka in the health sector remains steadfast, with a shared vision of fostering goodwill and cooperation.

This handover represents just the beginning of a larger grant project. As part of our ongoing commitment, additional medical equipment will be installed at Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital in the future. This sustained partnership underscores Japan’s dedication to contributing to the ongoing improvement of healthcare facilities and services in Sri Lanka, the embassy adds.

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India  – Russia venture to take up reins of MRIA

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Sri Lanka has reportedly agreed to hand over the operations of the Mattala Rajapaksha International Airport (MRIA) to a private joint venture between Russian and Indian entities.

Secretary of the Ministry of Ports and Aviation – Mr. K.D.S Ruwanchandra said that a discussion held yesterday (05) in this regard, ended on a positive note and an agreement is to be signed soon.

Accordingly, all operational activities at Mattala International Airport will be managed and executed by the Russian-Indian Private Joint Venture.

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Fmr. DIG released from alleged VIP assassination plot

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Former Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Nalaka de Silva has been released from the case filed over the alleged VIP assassination plot in 2019.

The Colombo Fort Magistrate has ordered to release de Silva after the Attorney General informed the court that ‘insufficient evidence’ was found to support the allegations.

The former Director of the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) was arrested by the CID on October 25, 2018, over a suspected plot to assassinate former Presidents Maithripala Sirisena and Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

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