Billion lost daily due to Customs go-slow

Unions demand reinstatement of Ms. Charles; deposed DG says racketeers behind her removal

Sri Lanka is losing more than a billion rupees a day as Customs officials continued a work-to-rule campaign demanding the reinstatement of Ms. P. H. M. Charles as Director General.

The clearance of containers loaded with canned fish, sugar, dhal, sprats and other food items are affected by the go- slow which enters its sixth day today, Customs Spokesperson Sunil Jayaratne told the Sunday Times.

His remarks came as the previous Director General, Ms Charles, told the Sunday Times her removal was prompted by two vehicle importers who were tax evaders. It was also because of a racket involving dried betel nuts and black pepper as a value- added product, she said.

Last week, Finance and Media Minister Mangala Samaraweera, removed Ms Charles from office and appointed retired Navy officer Rear Admiral Shermal Fernando. Customs officers went on strike, causing a heavy revenue loss. Mr. Samaraweera was forced to cancel the appointment and named H.G. Sumanasinghe, Additional Secretary, to succeed.

Customs unions have confirmed Ms Charles’ assertion that her removal was the result of her re-opening investigations into cases where the loss to the country was enormous. The Sri Lanka Administrative Services Association, which commands a large number in the state sector, has also demanded that Ms Charles be re- appointed as Director General.

SLASA Secretary Rohan de Silva said yesterday that the association representatives met Treasury Secretary R.S.S. Samarasinghe to protest over the removal of Ms Charles.