Customs blame Port Authority for 43 missing containers
[27 Apr 2000]

The Customs Department blamed the Port Authority for letting go some 43 containers out of Colombo Port without supervision stating that the containers had been taken out with the use of forged Customs documents and gate passes.

A request for an independent committee to probe the irregularity has also been made from the Ministry of Finance by the Customs Department after a special meeting was held yesterday by Acting Minister of Port Development, Reggie Ranatunga.

By using forged documents, the owners of the containers had evaded millions of rupees in duties.

The Customs Department initially started investigations on receiving information that two containers had been secretly cleared a few weeks ago. These investigations have unveiled the 43 containers that had been irregularly cleared. 

The relevant documents had borne forged signatures of Customs Officers. Four officers of the Ports Authority who had allegedly signed the gate passes were interdicted from service for the irregularity.

Vehicles used for transporting the containers were identified and action has been taken against those involved.

Contact Information: Send mail to webmaster@priu.gov.lk with questions or comments about this web site. Last modified: September 25, 2003.