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Controversy arises over eight containers of motor spare parts
View(s):Amid complex legal issues, the Finance Ministry has directed the Customs to release eight containers carrying motor vehicle spare parts.
The Ministry’s directive to release the detained containers was sent to the Customs’ Director General this week on the grounds that a Cabinet Sub Committee chaired by the Transport and Civil Aviation Minister had recommended the release of the spare parts containers.
The Finance Ministry said the Sub Committee was giving effect to a Fundamental Rights application filed by the importer, Vehicles Lanka (Private) Ltd., and advice given by the Attorney General.
However, earlier the Court of Appeal had held that the petitioner was not entitled to import the vehicle parts in terms of the FR case referred to by the Finance Ministry. The Court of Appeal held that the petitioner had got the licence by misrepresenting facts to the Controller of Imports and Exports.
Customs sources said the investigations on the consignment were pending and they believed the Finance Ministry could not direct the release of the
consignment.
Customs Driector General Chulananda Perera confirmed he had received a letter from Treausry Secretary R.H.S. Samaratunga and the letter was still under study by the legal division.