SL Customs, IRD, Excise Dept. free from political influence: Rajitha
State revenue increased by Rs. 100 billion in 6 months
Making the Sri Lanka Customs, Inland Revenue Department and the Excise Department free from political influence has contributed to increase the government revenue sharply in the first half of this year, Cabinet spokesman Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said yesterday.
He told the weekly cabinet news briefing that there were no telephone calls to these key State institutions from Temple Trees or Presidential Secretariat to waive taxes on imported goods, free apprehended containers or release containers of ethanol after tax officers, custom officers or IRD officers detained the offenders.
“Politicians or officials of this government would not give illegal orders to officials working at these vital State institutions. They have also been strictly advised not to take illegal order and do their job according to the law and guidelines. That is why the State revenue had been increased by Rs.100 billion from January to June this year,” he said.
Minister Senaratne said the newest Air Bus purchased by the Rajapaksa regime has been redesigned to fix extra luxury apartment removing 22 1st class seats including an ultra luxury bath room with Jacuzzi, dining room and a gym. The proposed Hyatt super luxury hotel was to build a two floor super luxury apartment for the ‘King’s Family’ and added this government changed all these extravaganza by prohibiting them.
Asked as to why Namal Rajapaksa had been given special treatment such as home cooked food, mattresses and bed sheets at the Remand Prison, Minister Senaratne said it must be because prince Namal is the son of the former President and the doting son of the former king and therefore, even the prison officials may have a soft spot on him.
Minister Senaratne alleged that one Minister collected Rs. 20,000 for one episode from each and every Tele drama telecast on ITN and Rupavahini during his tenure and today Tele drama producers thank the government for the freedom they enjoy now.