Customs high-tech scanning system probed
View(s):A deal between a foreign private company and the previous government to supply, install and implement a high-tech scanning system is to be reviewed following a high level investigation, Sri Lanka Customs sources said.
This was the result of a request made by All Ceylon Custom Services Union in a letter to Prime Minister and Finance Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa urging him to revise the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Asia Pacific Rapsicon System Pte Ltd on 28-10-2016.
Union General Secretary J.A. Gunathilake noted that this MOU is highly unfavourable to the country as the Customs will have to pay US$3.96 million per annum to the foreign company.
Without completion of the installing of three high-tech scanners at the yard of the Colombo Port, the scanning process has commenced before the presidential elections, he disclosed. Under this MOU, Sri Lanka Customs will have to pay $11,000 to this company even if the scanning system is used or not used to scan 750 import and 350 export containers per day.
He said the Customs will have to bear the cost of water supply, electricity, and telephone bills and to provide cleaning facilities.
However a senior Customs official said that all outbound and inbound containers are now being checked using the new system to prevent weapons of mass destruction, contraband and radioactive items to be smuggled in and out of Sri Lanka.
He noted that all necessary instruments have been installed at the Colombo Port and containers will be subjected to comprehensive monitoring and checking of all inbound and outbound shipping cargo.
(BS)